The YMCA of South Hampton Roads announced earlier this year that its president and chief executive officer, Billy George, plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2019.

Mr. George has been a proud employee of the YMCA for 44 years. A native of Chester, he began his YMCA career as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Thunderbird in Richmond.

“It’s been a high honor and privilege to work with a great team of people to advance the mission of an organization I love so much,” said George. “I believe that all the communities we serve are better places to live, work and play because of the Y.”

With more than 51 locations serving 72 communities, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads has more than 40,000 membership units serving 250,000 people throughout South Hampton Roads, Northeastern North Carolina, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and the South Boston/Halifax County communities. Throughout his tenure, George has witnessed a great deal of growth. In 2018 alone, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads welcomed three new family centers: YMCA at Town Center, YMCA of Portsmouth and YMCA of South Boston/Halifax County.

When asked what he would remember most, George said, “the development of Camp Silver Beach, which opened in the summer of 2000, was a once-in-a-lifetime professional opportunity for our Y.”

YMCA of South Hampton Roads Board Chair Terrie Edwards said, “Billy has given the YMCA over four decades of his faithful leadership and service. Not only has he been a visionary and impactful leader of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, he has also been instrumental in our community, our state and our region. He has built strong relationships with our board and the community, always willing to share his gifts and talents to help others. His impact has been tremendous. We are grateful to be able to plan for a thoughtful search for a new leader with a transition plan that enables the YMCA to continue to thrive in our community.”

A search committee will work with staff from YMCA of the USA to find Mr. George’s successor.