Edgar to serve as Senior Vice President of Branch Operations

WEST CHESTER – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is pleased to announce the promotion of Terri Edgar to Senior Vice President of Branch Operations. In her new role, Edgar will lead operations at eight branches and program centers in Chester County, ensuring consistency, operational excellence and alignment to the needs of the community. Edgar’s responsibilities also include stewardship of Childcare and Early Learning, Before and After School Enrichment Programs and Summer Camp - ensuring a high operational standard across the Association.

Community-First Leadership
“It is a pleasure to serve alongside Terri,” comments Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of YGBW. “Terri is a dynamic leader who is motivated by our mission and leads with a community-first mindset. I am eager to see how our operational model will evolve under her leadership.”

With branch locations stretching from Berwyn to Atglen and points between, the YMCA serves a diverse community with a variety of needs. Evolving YMCA services to meet the needs of each branch’s local community and developing an operational model that allows staff the flexibility to deliver services on-location in each community will be top priorities for Edgar and her team. Edgar will also be tasked with aligning branch operations to the Association’s strategic plan.

A Foundation of Service
Edgar has served at YMCAs across the region for more than 30 years, with the last 12 years at YGBW. She began her career teaching life-saving skills as a lifeguard and swim instructor and served as the Executive Director of the West Chester Area YMCA and the Regional Vice President of Operations before becoming the Vice President of Operations during the pandemic. Throughout her various roles, Edgar remains committed to the YMCA’s mission and serving the community.

“I know first-hand how important service and connection are,” says Edgar. “My first experience at the Y was taking swim lessons as a child. This was an extremely positive experience for me – and was for many others. Whenever I meet new people, it is common that they share their own memories of experiences at the Y after they find out what I do for a living. I love connecting with people, hearing their stories and learning how the Y has supported them in their life.”

Learning to swim at the Y was much more than a childhood memory for Edgar. This experience had a lasting impact on her career.

“I’ll never forget my swim instructors,” Edgar continues. “Not only did they teach me important life skills, but they helped boost my sense of self-confidence. The Y was the first place that I truly felt that I belonged as a child. That sense of belonging set me on a path and has followed me throughout my career at the Y.”

A Place of Belonging for All
Belonging is a key part of the YMCA’s mission to connect all people to their potential, through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body. The Y’s commitment to inclusivity is something that has inspired Edgar and motivated her to stay on.

“At various points in my career I’ve had the opportunity to pursue a path outside of the YMCA,” explains Edgar. “And I chose to stay and grow here because of our mission, because of the passion and integrity of my colleagues and because I can be my authentic self at work. That peace of mind is invaluable.”

In addition to her experience with Branch Operations and Aquatics, Edgar has supported multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to ensure that YMCA employees feel welcome and included – regardless of race, disabilities, sexual orientation or gender identity. She facilitated the Association’s inaugural LGBTQIA+ ERG in 2017.

“I am proud to work for an organization that supports the needs of all in our community,” she says. “Whether we are teaching life-saving skills through swim lessons and our Safety Around Water program or connecting seniors to new friends and new hobbies through our ForeverWell program, the Y is here for everyone. I’m excited to grow our organization to serve even more needs in the coming years.”

Edgar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Ithaca College and is pursuing a master's degree in human resources management at West Chester University. She holds the Global Leader and Organizational Leader certifications from Y-USA and serves on the board of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.



YGBW Branch Locations: https://ymcagbw.org/locations?type=ymca

Commitment to Inclusivity: https://ymcagbw.org/about/diversity-and-inclusion

About the YMCA of Greater Brandywine
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), an association of nine YMCAs and Program Centers serving Chester County, is a leading non-profit organization committed to building community. We strive to nurture the potential of every child, promote healthy living and foster social responsibility through life-changing programs for all. YGBW raises funds to provide financial assistance to those unable to pay the standard rates. Last year, $2.1 million was provided to more than 11,000 individuals to ensure they had access to childcare, summer camp, programs and memberships at YGBW. More than 50,000 people are members of YGBW.

To learn more, visit ymcagbw.org.