We are so proud of our First Coast YMCA leaders recently honored by their peers for their individual accomplishments and leadership that strengthens the YMCA movement.
Every year, Florida’s YMCA Professional Network (YPN) recognizes members for their positive impact on community, leadership and creativity. This year’s winners are more than deserving of their awards. We can’t thank them enough for their hard work and love for the Y!
YMCA Legacy Award – Tammy Miller
Tammy began her YMCA career at the Martin County YMCA in Stuart, Florida in 1987. Over the course of 11 years, she worked in wellness, sports, camps, aquatics, membership, and childcare and achieved an Associate Director role based on her contributions. She joined the First Coast in 1998 as the Executive Director of the St. Augustine Family YMCA and then moved to the Risk Management department and now serves as SVP of Risk Management. Her achievements include being named the First Coast YMCA’s Employee of the year in 2009. Most recently, Tammy has played an integral role in ensuring the safety of all everyone at the Y by co-leading the task force responsible for developing and implementing COVID-19 protocols. Tammy has a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Master’s in Exercise and Sports Science.
Outstanding Director of the Year – Candace Burrows
Candace joined the First Coast YMCA in July 2012 and oversees the association’s Day Camp programming, totaling 28 sites with thousands of campers each summer. Candace also leads our Before and Afterschool child care in Duval and Nassau counties. She is key at connecting the Y with great community partners to ensure all kids have access to resources to learn, grow and thrive. In March 2020, Candace helped lead the transformation our youth serving sites with all new COVID-19 protocols to ensure safe spaces for children, parents and staff. Candace holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration, a Director’s Certification from the Department of Children and Families, and a YUSA Multi-Team Leader Certification.
Developing Others Award – John Lyon
John’s career at the YMCA has spanned over 30 years, starting as a Camp Director in Round Rock, TX all the way to V.P. of Operations and Executive Director in St. Augustine. Since joining the First Coast YMCA, John’s main priority has been to build strong, impactful leadership teams. Of the five individuals benefitting from John’s leadership, 80% are women and 40% are diverse employees. John is involved in the Rotary Club, Kiwanis and completed Leadership Kingsport and Leadership Round Rock. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a YUSA Team Leader Certification.
Emerging Leader Award – Shermayne Reynolds
Shermayne started her career at the Y at the Wilson Family YMCA in Augusta, GA and joined the First Coast Y in 2019 as a Youth Development Program Director. She is extremely dedicated to the Y’s cause, especially nurturing the potential of all children. She brings quality-driven and innovative ideas to our team. For example, she developed the Teen Maze Program in one of our partner schools to give students a broader understanding of what life is like outside of school. Shermayne has a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. She serves as a Community Youth Advisor and was selected as a co-leader of the First Coast YMCA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.
