Jen-Fuller Allen Named CEO of YMCA in Lexington

Jen Fuller

Leigha S. Smith, Chief Volunteer Officer of the Board of Directors of the J. Smith Young YMCA, announced the selection of Jen Fuller-Allen as the new CEO of the J. Smith Young YMCA. Fuller-Allen will officially begin her role on June 1st, 2021 replacing the current interim CEO Billy Freeman.

In making the announcement,  Smith noted the historic nature of the appointment. “We’re excited to have Jen move into this role as the first female to lead the YMCA locally. She has demonstrated her ability in playing key roles with the YMCA and has helped move the YMCA forward in day-to-day operations. After we formed the CEO Selection team, it became clear to us that we had the very best possible candidate right here.”

Fuller-Allen has been at the Y for more than 20 years. “I grew up in this Y, and a piece of my heart has always been here. Though I've held many different positions throughout my time here, my job has always remained the same at the Y, in every role: to help others in every way and to do something that matters," Fuller-Allen said.

“Our Y is more than a community, it’s a family to some who have no other family, it’s a place that is based on a sense of belonging and a sense of unity that is missing in so many other areas of our world these days. The J. Smith Young YMCA is for all, and as I step into my new role, I will continue to make sure that everyone in our community feels welcome and is served,” Fuller-Allen continued.

She is a graduate of UNC Asheville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Elementary Education, a graduate of Winston Salem State University, where she earned a Masters in Elementary Education Curriculum and Instruction, and Appalachian State University where she earned a Masters in School Administration. 

Fuller-Allen has been an employee at the J. Smith Young YMCA since 2001, serving in numerous capacities including youth development, membership and wellness. Prior to her work with the YMCA, Jen worked in the Winston Salem/ Forsyth County & Davidson County school systems as a teacher and administrator.

(May 13, 2021)

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