Kurtis Dawson is the President and CEO of the YMCA of Southern Arizona and has served in this role since 2017.  Prior to Tucson, Kurtis spent 15 years working at the YMCA of Grays Harbor in Hoquiam, Washington, which is southwest of Seattle.  Kurtis’ Y story began when he was a teenager working at the front desk.  He never imagined that his part-time job at the Y would lead to his career and passion.  Kurtis graduated with a business degree from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.  By 2001, Kurtis had been hired to a full-time position working as the Youth and Teen Director.  He served as the CEO of the YMCA of Grays Harbor from 2008 to 2016.  Kurtis’ comprehensive experience has provided him with hands-on understanding of what it takes to run a successful YMCA.  In 2017, Kurtis arrived in Tucson and was immediately inspired by the potential of the Y and the community that it serves.  Ask Kurtis and he will openly share his ambitious plans for the YMCA, which include capital renovations to its facilities and equipment, upgrading technology and implementing performance and service-centered metrics.  Additionally, Kurtis wants to expand and enhance programming to best serve Tucson’s needs and strengthen relationships between his staff, volunteers, and community members.  His motivation are the people who walk through the doors of the YMCA and helping them reach their greatest potential.