YMCA chief cherishes community outreach

Jenna Dhayer is the community executive director of the Lake Houston Family YMCA. Dhayer, far right, is pictured with Ted Poe and YMCA Community Liaison Carol Sutton at Bridge Fest 2012.

Dhayer is now the community executive director of the Lake Houston Family YMCA in Kingwood. In her role as community executive director, Dhayer works closely with YMCA staff to develop programs and services that promote youth development, social responsibility and healthy living. She says the best part of her job is building relationships with staff members and the community.

"My favorite things to do … is build relationships with our staff, both new and seasoned," Dhayer said. "I enjoy building community relationships with the different businesses, schools, districts and other nonprofits."

In addition to loving her job with the YMCA, Dhayer is a huge proponent of the organization's inclusiveness, the values it promotes and its effect on the community.

"I love…how the Y benefits a family or individual, whether you have fame, fortune or treasure, or are going through hard times, or are ill, healthy or are economically disadvantaged," she said. "Being healthy in spirit, mind and body is important to a successful long life, and we provide that at the Y."

Even outside of work, Dhayer spends a good deal of her time helping to better the community. She volunteers with the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce and says she will soon become a board member. Dhayer is also involved with the Humble Intercontinental Rotary Club and is on two Humble Independent School District special committees.

When she's not performing her duties as Lake Houston Family YMCA community executive director or volunteering in the community, Dhayer likes spending time with her family outside and at the pool, when weather permits. She also enjoys playing a variety of games with her children.

For more information on the Lake Houston Family YMCA and its programs, call 281-360-2500, email Jenna Dhayer at jennac@ymcahouston.org or visit www.ymcahouston.org/lake-houston. You can also connect with the YMCA of Greater Houston on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

ABOUT Jenna Dhayer
BIRTHDAY: March 6
OCCUPATION: Lake Houston Family YMCA executive director
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Lake Houston resident
FAST FACT: Dhayer says she loves cooking meals in her slow-cooker

Megan Mattingly-Arthur is a freelance writer. She can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.