Click
here to downloadStaff Spotlight: Mark Purcell
One of the nicest things about visiting Mark Purcell, Operations Director at Buehler, is the jar of peanut M&Ms in his office. If you stop in, you'll also see the artwork that decorates his office -- masterpieces by his sons, Jack, who is 11, and Mitch, who is 6.
Before Mark came to the YMCA in 2006, he had a career in parks and recreation. But the 51-mile commute, and that was just one-way, was too much to handle. He was spending half his day in his car and away from his family. Now, Mark is not only closer to home but one of the things that he most likes about his job is that his kids can come visit him.
Jack really likes to go to the Cyber Fitness room and Mitch loves the Family and Adventure Center. Both participate in YBA.
As operations director, Mark currently oversees all program areas, such as sports, fitness and aquatics, and the membership department. He loves the fact that he gets to help people each and every day; he sees the impact that YMCA programs make on a person's life and well-being.
That was never more evident than on a day he was helping at a YMCA mentoring program. A young boy, who was probably 7 years old, had seen the Strong Kids decorations around the building and asked, "What is this all about?" Mark explained that the YMCA collects money to help kids come to the Y because some families can't afford it. The little boy said, "How can I give money? I want to help kids come here and have fun." Mark's eyes welled with tears.
That's the difference the YMCA makes in a life, teaching a child to give back to others, and one of the reason's Mark loves his job.
