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PARKERSBURG -- The Parkersburg YMCA announced its newly appointed CEO, Benton Walker, via news release Monday.
Walker has served as a CEO for the YMCA of North Central WV Inc. in Clarksburg since 2021. He will begin his position in Parkersburg on Aug. 5.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited about welcoming Ben to the Parkersburg YMCA family," Kevin Trippet, the Chief Volunteer Officer at the YMCA of Parkersburg, said in the release. "We believe his experience in leading the Y will help us continue the positive momentum the Parkersburg YMCA has achieved in the last six months under interim CEO Ed Bohren."
Walker grew up in Savannah, Ga., and participated in programs with the Coastal Georgia YMCA Association. Post high school, he attended Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., where he was a student athlete and earned a degree in Athletic Training. In 2016, he earned a Master of Education in Exercise Fitness and Wellness from Fairmont State University.
After graduate school, Walker started with the YMCA of North Central WV Inc. as a Sports and Wellness Director and worked his way up to Associate Executive Director before becoming CEO in 2021.
Walker said in the release that the YMCA played a pivotal part in his childhood and he chose to work there to impact others in a positive manner like other staff members did for him.
"The YMCA was a cornerstone of my upbringing, providing guidance, community, and opportunities that shaped who I am today. My goal is to give back and create the same positive experiences for others helping them thrive and succeed just as I did," he said.
Walker also said in the release he is looking forward to joining the Parkersburg YMCA team and continue leading them on a path of success and forge relationships with the community.
"I am excited to join the Parkersburg YMCA team, to contribute to its ongoing success, and to forge meaningful connections with community members as we work together to enhance the lives of those we serve," he said.
Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com