YMCA of Greenville announces leadership promotions

YMCA of Greenville announced today the promotion of leadership team members Jarrod Covington, Amy Ecklund, Claire Gregg Cameron McDowell and John Schlansker, as they accept additional responsibilities in association strategic initiatives and broader staff and board leadership roles.

Jarrod Covington is promoted to the position of vice president of strategic initiatives. Covington will serve as a key Association leadership member of the YMCA of Greenville, driving innovation and strategic initiatives to enhance member-focused programs and organizational objectives. This includes implementing best practices for competitive advantage, managing quality and performance, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, Covington will develop staff through leadership programs, build community relationships, and promote the YMCA’s mission and brand.

Amy Eckland is promoted to the position of vice president of finance/controller. Eckland will provide direction and leadership for YMCA finance, business, and payroll operations. She will oversee the YMCA’s accounting practices, the maintenance of its fiscal records, and the preparation of its financial reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Eckland will ensure a system of strong internal controls and maintain fiscal soundness. Additionally, she will manage the annual external audits, the 990 tax returns, and the preparation of information for outside funders and stakeholders.

Claire Gregg is promoted to the position of vice president of human resources. Gregg will be responsible for directing and coordinating all Human Resource functions and will provide leadership, direction, plans, and decision-making for the HR department in accordance with the strategic goals of the YMCA of Greenville. Gregg will oversee recruitment, compensation and benefits, staff development, employee relations, employee engagement and retention, policy development and compliance, strategic organizational structuring and staffing, and administrative functions.

Cameron McDowell is promoted to the position of vice president of operations for the Prisma Health Family YMCA and the Eastside Family YMCA. McDowell will develop and implement strategic growth, planning, fundraising and staff development. He will provide programmatic and administrative oversight to support the Branch Executives and Associate Executives aimed at ensuring excellent program quality, program offerings and establishing partnerships. Additionally, McDowell will oversee the overall operation of the branches including membership, marketing, programs, volunteer and staff development, financial development (annual and capital), community relations and collaborations with community agencies.

John Schlansker is promoted to the position of vice president of capital planning and facilities and risk management. Schlansker will be responsible for all facets of capital project management, including coordination of planning, design, construction, and activation phases to ensure capital projects achieve expectations and complete on schedule and on budget. He will oversee the Association risk management program, the facilities’ management program, and procurement systems. Schlansker will work closely with all related senior and Association staff to ensure procedures and protocols are established and adhered to for the purpose of improving safety and facility efficiencies. Additionally, he will assist the President/CEO with new facility exploration and facility development.

YMCA of Greenville offers professional growth opportunities to its high-achieving leadership. With a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible, the organization will continue to benefit from the staff’s years of experience and knowledge, helping the YMCA of Greenville advance its mission and improve the overall impact the Y has on all communities it serves.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greenville and the projects, programs, and services it supports, visit https://www.ymcagreenville.org/.

About the YMCA of Greenville, SC

The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include after-school care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered through four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Life Center YMCA, YMCA Camp Greenville, and YMCA Judson Community Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs. For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.