BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JULIANE SUNDERLAND – PRESIDENT

I grew up in Weston and some of my best high school memories were as a camp counselor at Mahackeno. Today, my husband, Jason, and I are grateful that all 3 of our children are learning, growing and being enriched by the Y and its values.

This past summer our son, Jay, had his first job as a camp counselor at the Y’s Hafaday program and rated his experience a 10 out of 10, thanks to the incredible staff who supported him along the way. Our daughter, Kate, is a Level 8 gymnast on the competitive team and considers the gymnastics center her “second home”.  At the Y she has learned important life skills including dedication, determination and resilience with teammates who are like sisters congratulating each other for their wins and giving hugs and support after tough meets. Our youngest, Jack, went kicking and screaming to his first swim lesson at 18 months old and now, at 10, is arguably the strongest swimmer in our family.

I have also been personally inspired through my involvement in the Bedford Responsibility Fund which distributes approximately $300,000 annually in grants to support organizations in the surrounding area that provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities for children and young adults.

As a board member, I am grateful and honored to play a role in sustaining this incredible community organization and ensuring it will continue to enrich our local generations to come.

JENNIFER BAGNATO, 1st VICE PRESIDENT
So many of my childhood experiences include the Westport YMCA. I took gymnastics with Sally Silverstein and joined one of her first Showtime gymnastics teams traveling to perform around Connecticut. My parents and brother visited Mahackeno on weekends where I loved to explore the Saugatuck River by canoe and rope swing. The skills, challenges, freedom, and personal growth I experienced have stayed with me. The Y has formed how I think about what is important for our community of children to experience.

When my family and I moved to Westport, my kids learned to swim with the Y. They’ve enjoyed basketball and track and field classes. The Y feels like a true community where my kids can learn while I can connect with friends and go for a swim or workout.

Being a member of the YMCA Board will help me to provide support for this special community place centered on personal wellness and social values.

JULIE TUTTLE, SECRETARY

The YMCA has held a constant and special presence throughout my life from childhood camp, swim, and gymnastic programs growing up in Western NY to moves across the country from Boston to Los Angeles to San Francisco, ultimately settling in Westport. Upon the birth of our daughter, the Westport Weston Family YMCA has continued the tradition of playing an important role in our family through the early years of development of my daughter via summer camp, swim programs and socialization.

My 20-year career in sports business media has included youth, college, and professional sports.  I have worked with numerous teams, leagues, governing bodies and sports entertainment organizations to support the promotion and awareness of youth programs, safety, nutrition, physical & mental well-being programs for adults and children. Of particular interest to me, is the development of access points and helping to create programs that break down barriers and provide educational resources and career development opportunities for underrepresented young men and women entering the field of sports.

One of the reasons my family chose Westport was because of the community and all the things that we feel Westport represents: creativity, resources, education, youth development, social responsibility and preservation. As a now 20-year resident of Westport, I am extremely honored to be a part of WWFY Board of Directors and to be able to participate in a way that contributes to the long-term health and wellbeing of our community and surrounding communities.

BRIAN CAREY, TREASURER
The Westport Weston Family YMCA has been a constant throughout many distinct phases of my life. As a young child growing up in Westport, I attended Camp Mini Mack, learned to swim in the old Brophy pool, and built friendships and relationships that I continue to value today. From there, I joined the WRATS swim team and truly found my Y community. Through my commitment to the team and my teammates, I honed many characteristics that serve me today including hard work (Ellen’s 5:30 AM practices during high school were tough), mental toughness and personal accountability. As a senior in high school, I was able to offer my perspective to the Board of Directors as one of the youth representatives.

After a number of years away, my family and I moved to Westport in 2019 and my involvement with the Y evolved into that of a Westport resident and parent of two young children. The incredible physical plant coupled with the caring staff has drawn our family into the Y’s numerous offerings. My son thoroughly enjoyed Camp Mahackeno this past summer. He is a WRAT Challenger I swimmer, and my daughter loves taking swimming lessons and using the state-of-the-art gymnastics center.

I am honored to again serve on the Board of Directors. I aim to bring the perspective of someone who appreciates the rich institutional history of the Y with a view of its bright future. I hope that my involvement will contribute to the overall mission of the Y so it can be enjoyed by existing members and generations to come.

LIBBY McKINNEY TRITSCHLER, MEMBER AT LARGE
I am the 6th generation of my family to call Fairfield/Westport my home. I am the Mother of three grown children who all used the y in their youth, the oldest swimming for the WRATS. In my professional life I am a local realtor.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA has been a philanthropic passion of my family for over 5 generations. The original vision was to find a place for boys and young men to congregate – that Vision has expanded over the years, but with the same thought in mind, to enrich the community by developing and nurturing youth, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility.

I am excited to serve on the Board of Directors supporting their commitment to better serve the community and to ensure this building and the YMCA’s mission is here for the next 100 years.

JAMES ADAMS
The Y is more than a gym to my family, it is also an important conduit to our Westport community. Whether it’s time spent at the gym or pool, gymnastics, father-daughter dances, or day camps, the Y is where we spend a great deal of our free time and connect with local friends.

By engaging our community through the Y’s special lens of wellness and family, I know my daughters are gaining important skillsets, healthy habits, and confidence that will help them flourish as strong individuals and more engaged members of society.

I see my role – as member of the Board of Directors – as an extraordinary opportunity to help advance the Y’s unique value proposition by expanding opportunities for the Y’s members to engage and enhance the greater Westport community.

DIANE BENKE
As a lifelong swimmer, joining the YMCA was one of the first things I did when my family moved to town. It’s been an invaluable resource for our family ever since! Both of my children learned to swim at the YMCA, taking lessons and attending Camp Mini Mack. Our children have also benefited from various YMCA programs such as basketball clinics and Camp Mahackeno.

At the YMCA, I’ve found a second family in the SwimFit group and Triathlon Club. Not only do they both provide high quality, coached workouts, but they’ve also fostered wonderful friendships. We encouraged one another to improvise and continue working out through the pandemic. The YMCA community transcends the physical building and great facilities. I’ve competed in triathlons (proudly wearing our YMCA uniforms) and swimrun events with my teammates and friends.

As an active member, you can often find me in the pool. I serve on the board to give back to an organization that has given me so much. My personal mission is to share my passion for the Westport Weston Family YMCA by spreading inspiring stories of the positive impact this organization has had on the health and wellness of its members. I also leverage my marketing and management consulting experience to encourage continued innovation and growth to ensure that the invaluable services the YMCA provides will exist for future generations.

BLAKE CARLSON

Blake is a dedicated student-athlete and community leader, currently attending Staples High School, Class of 2027. A recipient of the Science Achievement Award and recognized on the First Honors list, Blake balances academic excellence with a deep commitment to extracurricular and service activities. In 2024, he expanded his interests through Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Program, where he explored career paths in criminal, corporate, and public interest law—gaining skills in legal research, writing, and public speaking.

A proud member of the Water Rat Swim Team since 2014, Blake has demonstrated long-term commitment, discipline, and leadership in the Y’s aquatics community. He trains over 16 hours per week as part of the team’s highest-level training group and is the recipient of the Cameron Bruce Memorial Award, given for outstanding team dedication. In addition to his athletic achievements, Blake also serves as a Stroke & Turn Official with USA Swimming, and was recently appointed as an Athlete Representative to the Connecticut Swim Officials Committee, where he advocates for athlete well-being and fairness in competition.

Blake brings strong time management skills, a passion for community, and a collaborative spirit to his role on the YMCA Junior Board. He is honored to support the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s mission and looks forward to contributing to the Y’s future while continuing to grow as a leader, athlete, and advocate.

CHRISTI DOWNES

Shortly after moving to Westport in 2013 with her husband and two sons, the Westport Wilton YMCA became an integral part of their lives. Between Camp Mahackeno and the basketball program under coach Andre Brooks, their sons have gained valuable skills and life lessons that support their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Christi is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the YMCA’s Board of Directors, and actively promote its mission throughout the community.

Christi is the SVP, People, Culture & Diversity at Tanger, Inc. where she leads the human resources function. Prior to joining Tanger, she held HR leadership positions with Fortune 500 companies including, Campbell Soup, Lincoln National, HARMAN (a Samsung Company), and PVH. Throughout her career, she has focused on unlocking individual potential and enhancing organizational culture to create value and looks forward to leveraging her professional experience to support the YMCA’s employees and members.

DANIEL FERSON
Since moving to Westport in early 2021, the YMCA has become an integral part of our family’s life. Not only is the facility and campus unparalleled for the area but the excellent youth programming and dedicated staff have created wonderful experiences for my two young sons. Our boys have loved swim lessons, adventure gym, ninja, Camp Mini Mack & Mahackeno and playing on Fort Mack while mom and dad exercise.

The YMCA’s mission of serving the community is very important to our family and I believe it is valuable for our community to have an institution such as the YMCA which provides a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.

I am excited to serve on the Board of Directors and aim to bring the perspective of a young family who plans to be active at the YMCA for many years to come. I hope to help drive growth so the YMCA can expand its important mission further across the greater Westport/Weston community.

JIM KIM
Jim brings over 15 years of leadership experience spanning education, technology, and corporate innovation. Currently serving as Senior Manager of Product Acceleration for EdTech and GovTech at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Jim leads teams that help education and government software companies integrate AI and innovation strategies at scale. His work has contributed to measurable growth and efficiency—shifting team outcomes, driving executive-level customer engagement, and presenting on national stages such as ASU+GSV and AWS Innovation Days.

Prior to AWS, Jim held senior roles at mission-driven organizations such as BetterLesson and EVERFI, where he led customer success and strategic partnership teams. His leadership helped launch national digital learning initiatives and significantly improve customer retention and growth. Jim has also worked in marketing at American Express and began his career in higher education administration, serving as an Assistant Dean at Stanford University, Bowdoin College, and Johns Hopkins University.

Jim holds degrees from Duke University (MBA), Harvard University (M.Ed.), and Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), and has received numerous awards for academic achievement and leadership. He is also an AWS Certified AI Practitioner and Cloud Practitioner, and has been recognized internally at Amazon as a Senior Speaker Certified presenter.

A Westport resident, Jim is passionate about creating opportunities for youth, championing community engagement, and supporting innovation that serves the public good. He is honored to serve on the Westport Weston Family YMCA Board and contribute to the Y’s mission of strengthening community through inclusion, development, and wellness.

NANCY B. LIPIN
I moved to Easton in 2023 with my husband Michael and daughter Hannah from Vermont, after an earlier move from NYC. We were definitely in need of a home base when we arrived. Hannah joined the Y competitive gymnastics team soon after our move, and since then the Y has been like a second home to our family.

Hannah spends at least five days per week at the Y, practicing as a Level 7 gymnast with her team or working out with teammates in the gym. This summer she will be volunteering at Camp Mahackeno. Hannah has grown so much through the gymnastics program, and her relationships with coaches and teammates. She has learned invaluable lessons in sportsmanship, hard work and kindness, as well as the joy in winning!

Bringing Hannah to the gym has gotten me to work on my own fitness at the Y, either in classes or with weights or going for walks around the property. The sauna has definitely become my happy place! I love the community that makes the Y different from any other gym or fitness center. Seeing toddlers, seniors and everyone in between from all walks of life getting stronger and healthier at the Y inspires me to keep going! I also find it to be a unique community space where we are not siloed by age, stage of life, ability or health status. I love that about the WWFY.

Professionally, I have worked as a lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board for over 25 years, with a few years in private practice. At the NLRB I supervise a team of investigators and attorneys in investigating unfair labor practice and other cases filed against employers and unions, and litigating or settling those cases when necessary. Service to others has always been an important and motivating part of my life.

I am thrilled to be a member of the WWFY Board. As a director I look forward to contributing to this institution that has given so much to our family. I see the WWFY as such an important community hub for Westport and for the surrounding communities and hope to help it thrive into the future.

JONATHAN MANELA
Jonathan is an entrepreneur, and creative thought leader, with a vision and passion for collaboration. He has spent nearly 20 years developing wealth management businesses, and founded Edge Strategy Group in 2013; an innovative, growth focused business. At Edge, Jonathan works with successful RIAs and large independent teams across the country that are seeking opportunities for meaningful expansion in today’s changing environment. Whether it’s merger and acquisition, scaling a business, expanding geographically, increasing intellectual capital, or starting long-term planning for businesses, they utilize inorganic growth strategies to create and execute plans for their clients.The Edge team is located here in Westport.

Jonathan graduated from the University at Buffalo, with a B.S. in business administration Jonathan has lived with his wife, Jessica, and their two daughters, Skylar and Ruby, in Westport since 2016, and they have been members of the Y. They have thoroughly enjoyed utilizing the fitness center, childcare, swimming lessons and gymnastics programs. Their daughters both play and swim at the Y regularly. Jessica has a local Interior Design business and spends her time working with clients and caring for their young girls. Both Jonathan and Jessica are eager to give back to the community, and to find ways to add value to such a special pillar of Westport.

DANNY McHUGH
The Y has been an essential part of my family’s life. Some of my first memories were of my Dad taking my brother and me for Sunday swims. I also took swim lessons with Brian and gained confidence in the water at the Y. I spent my summers at Camp Mini Mack and then at Mahackeno. I then transitioned to training at the gym with my friends and playing pick-up basketball in the gym. Even though I am still young, I now understand that the Y is a place for all stages of life.

JOHN McKINNEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
As the great, great grandson of Westport Weston Family YMCA’s founder E. T. Bedford, it seemed almost destined that John McKinney would steward the organization that countless members of his family, both male and female, so ardently supported. From E. T. to Frederick who purchased the Mahackeno property that is today’s Y campus, to his grandmother Lucie Bedford Cunningham Warren, his mother Lucie McKinney and his great Aunt Ruth Bedford, generations of Bedfords have dedicated their time and energy to preserving what has become a center of community life for many in the surrounding area. Currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees and ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, he is involved in every aspect of ensuring that our YMCA will be around for the next 100 years.

John proudly served in the CT Legislature as State Senator for 16 years, seven as Minority Leader. He was appointed by Governor Lamont to the Liquor Control Commission and is a permanent guest on the weekly political news show, The Capitol Report.

John is a lifelong resident of Fairfield County and resides in Westport with his lovely wife, Kristin.

JAY NORRIS
I grew up in Detriot, Michigan, with a unique perspective and an aspiration to do something different than my peers. When I was nine years old, my local YMCA held a swim-a-thon for a handicap-related charity, where I completed 200 laps in the race. This charity event sparked my passion for swimming and inspired me to join the swim team in high school. I was an all-state medal winner in the 50 and 100 freestyle and attended Howard University, a prestigious D1 predominantly black institution.

My background includes over 20 years of developing retail, music, lifestyle & experiential concepts. I am the CEO and founder of Guesst Software – A Creative Leasing Platform, and the Co-Founder of the Blacklight Extension – The World’s 1st Search Engine for Black-owned businesses nationwide.

Today, I live in Westport, CT, with my wife Crystal and two children, Jacob, who plays basketball, and Sophia, who is a part of swimming and gymnastics. My family are avid members of the WWFY and visit daily. I’m proud to belong to an organization whose mission and vision have inspired me and continue to encourage everyone in our local and surrounding communities from all ages to dream BIG!!

MELANIE OBERMAN
Melanie is thrilled to be on the Board of the Directors so that she can give back to the YMCA community. Melanie grew up in Weston going to the YMCA during her childhood years when the YMCA was downtown Westport. She grew up in a family that values wellness and in particular, swimming. When Melanie moved to Fairfield with her own family in 2020, she immediately joined the YMCA. Now, as an active member of the YMCA, you will find Melanie doing laps in the pool often. She is grateful to now be able to bring her daughter, Emma, to the YMCA for swim lessons and other activities! The YMCA brings such joy to Melanie and her family. It is the world class facilities, amazing staff, and warm community that make it feel that way.

Melanie holds a B.A from Duke University and an MBA from Fuqua School of Business. She currently leads the People team at Contentsquare as their Chief People Officer. Melanie looks forward to bringing her background in consulting and human resources to the YMCA. What she loves professionally is creating great employee experiences for her teams at work and hopes to be able to help do that for the YMCA employees and community members.

RENEE VAN HEERDEN
Renee Plato is the CEO of MDSolarSciences, a Westport based skin care company, where she is responsible for the growth, overall brand strategy and leadership across corporate functions. Having held executive positions in digital business development, advance advertising and emerging technologies, content licensing, and media analytics for some of the world’s most prestigious media companies, including The Walt Disney Company, NBCU, Universal Music Group, Sony and Nielsen, Plato brings extensive marketing and business development knowledge and a fresh perspective to the world of luxury skin care.

TOBIAS REISS-SCHMIDT

Tobias Reiss-Schmidt is the President and CEO of Timex Group responsible for marketing, product, manufacturing, sales, finance and administration for the Group’s globally recognized brands including Times, Guess, GC, Versace, Versus, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Nautica.

Tobias began his career in International Marketing at Beiersdorf Group in his home country of Germany.  Afterwards, he joined Boston Consulting Boup (BCG) where he was a member of the Consumer & Retail practice focusing his work on the fashion and sporting goods industries.    Prior to joining Timex Group in 2015, Tobias held the position of President and CEO of The Rockport Company.

Tobias lives in Westport with his wife Sara and their daughters.  He has been a member of the WWFY’s Board of Directors since 2021.  In his free time he enjoys active spots such as kitesurfing, sailing and skiing.

GLEN HALE, CEO

Glen comes to the WWFY with over 25 years of experience working for a variety of non-profit organizations, including serving as the CFO for multiple entities. Glen joined the WWFY due to the depth and breadth of the scope of its mission, from the wide range of programmatic offerings to community support via grants.

He has a lifelong interest in athletics and sports, both as a participant and a fan, which was an additional draw for him. Additionally, the focus on nurturing the potential of youth was another key factor, since he has two children of his own. Glen finds that being part of a team that assists kids in their development is rewarding.

PAM SCHWARTZ

STEVE VISCARDI
Since joining the WWFY with his family in October 2015, Steve has been a dedicated member, utilizing the facility six days a week with unwavering commitment. His family remains deeply engaged in numerous WWFY programs, including basketball leagues, swimming, personal training, and more.

With over five decades of entrepreneurial experience, Steve has built a distinguished career across the Health & Wellness, Real Estate, and Private Equity sectors. He is the Founder of Fitness Holdings North America, which owns and operates more than 50 Crunch Fitness centers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Steve has consistently played a transformative role in scaling businesses and driving operational excellence, including the development of two Inc. 500 companies within the Health & Wellness and Financial Services industries.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Steve serves as Founder and CEO of Accelerated Capital, where he provides strategic leadership in financial strategy and business development. His investment and advisory work continue to generate significant impact across the companies and sectors he supports.

The mission of the WWFY holds deep personal meaning for Steve and his family. He has served as an informal ambassador for the organization for over a decade, championing its commitment to community service. Steve is also a generous supporter of numerous local and regional causes, including Connecticut Children’s Hospital, Kids in Crisis, and the Norwalk Emergency Shelter, among others.

A proud resident of Fairfield County since 1993, Steve lives with his wife Julie and their three children: Evan, Dylan, and Kristen.