Newton Citizen

Louly Hay-Kapp

COVINGTON -- Louly Hay-Kapp has been named executive director of Covington Family YMCA.

Hay-Kapp has been with the YMCA for 11 years and worked in numerous positions. She started out part-time in 2000 handling financial and community development. In 2004, she became the Y's membership and community development director and was soon promoted to associate executive director. She has served as interim director several times, including a two-year stint following the departure of former director Mike Chism, "which gave her the experience needed to embrace this role," according to a press release issued by the YMCA.

"I'm very excited and honored. I feel so strongly about what the Y means in this community. I am just excited about the future of the Y. Having grown up in this community, I see what an impact an organization like the Y can make on children and families," Hay-Kapp said.

Over the years, Hay-Kapp has helped the Y acquire and develop a 28-acre tract in Oxford known as the YMCA Outdoor Center, playing a key role in the financial development strategy and implementation to secure funds for the outdoor facility, according to the press release.

She also facilitated a partnership between the YMCA and General Mills, starting the Cheerios Challenge/Healthy Kids Day Road Race, now one of the state's largest road races. Under her leadership the Y has exceeded its goals for the number of children reached through Partner with Youth funds while maintaining membership growth and a balanced budget, the press release states.

"I think Louly certainly has the experience necessary to run the Y in that position. I think she is very dedicated and very supportive of the community," said Dalton Knox, chair of the Covington YMCA Board of Directors. "I know her heart's certainly there and her work ethic is certainly there. I think she'll do great for the Y. I think Louly has earned that position. She works hard at it, she really does. She's deserving."