About the Y

The YMCA collaborates with agencies and organizations such as Wayland Baptist University, City of Plainview, Covenant Hospital, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and others to better serve the community. The Plainview YMCA was chartered in 1948 when Clyde Seeley, Area Director, came to Plainview to begin work with the Gray-Y, Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y clubs in the schools. Col. Dan Pitt took Seeley’s place in 1950 and under his leadership the program of the YMCA greatly expanded. Gerry Morse was hired as Executive Director in 1957 through 1959. Dwight Hanners was hired as Executive Director in 1959 & remained with the YMCA of Plainview until 1970. Among the early members of the Y’s Board of Directors were Oliver Bier, Manuel Ayers, Mrs. E.M. Osborne, Mrs. W.W. Schroeder and Dr. John Long. Dr. Long served as a lifetime board member of the Plainview YMCA until 2002. Clarisse Manges served as a lifetime board member of the Plainview YMCA until 2006. Mike Boster and Dr. Richard Morgan currently serve as lifetime board members. Several buildings in Plainview housed the YMCA. In July, 1960, Scott Simpson died and left an estate of 320 acres to his sister, Bessie Simpson. Upon her death in 1972, ownership of this land went to the Plainview YMCA. The eventual sale of this property allowed the board to purchase approximately nine acres of land on Ennis Street. Jack Geyer was hired as Executive Director in 1973. Under his leadership, the YMCA launched an $850,000 capital campaign in 1977 which was completed the following year and Phase I of the present facility was completed. Charlie Lord was hired as Executive Director in 1987 and the facility grew in membership, participation and budget. In June 1991, Richard Galle came on as Executive Director to direct a capital drive of $1.2 million to complete Phase II of construction which included a new gym, additional racquetball courts, a new aerobics center, weight room and additional meeting room, nursery and all purpose rooms. The expansion was completed in 1993. Daryl McAllister was Executive Director from February 2001 to August 2002. Jeri Strange served as Executive Director of the Plainview YMCA from January 2003 to May 2007. Current Executive Director, Rob Wilkinson, began his term in February 2008. The Plainview YMCA has a membership of approximately 4,000. Non-members regularly utilize the Y as well. The Plainview YMCA is a member of the Plainview Area United Way and of the national and international YMCA community. The Y is governed by an 18 member board of directors. The Y is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The YMCA is a mission driven, value based organization that emphasizes character development.