Kocab named new Van Wert YMCA director

Hugh Kocab, a long time resident of Van Wert has accepted the position of Executive Director of the YMCA of Van Wert County. 

Kocab has an extensive background of working with children and families and has dedicated 25 years towards fulfilling a mission of creating healthy environments for troubled or less fortunate children. His passion for helping others has stretched across the nation and internationally with coaching, training seminars, program development and as a consultant.

Kocab had been campus director for Starr Commonweath in Van Wert for 10 years, before being promoted to an out of state position in July. He replaces Brad Perrot, who left the position in early August after a little over three years in the position.

 "We are very excited that Hugh has accepted the position and look forward to many years of his dedicated leadership" said Pat Jackson, board president of the YMCA. "The YMCA board is enthusiastically looking forward to Hugh's management in the areas of program development, marketing, fundraising, fiscal control and customer satisfaction."

 Kocab has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a Masters of Art's degree in counseling. He has been certified as a trainer in therapeutic crisis intervention, is a facilitator for the healing of racism through Starr Commonwealth and is very active in the Van Wert community. His community involvement includes, Van Wert Rotary, Van Wert County hospital advisory board, Elks, community volunteer, Centurion, retired Jaycee, and past YMCA board member and member.  "I am looking forward to my new role, meeting the many great staff at the YMCA and working with a very committed board in moving the organization forward," said Kocab. "I intend on my tenure being a long and productive one with the Van Wert YMCA".  

 Kocab and his family, wife Debbie and their two daughter's Jessica and Amanda are overjoyed that they will be staying in Van Wert and being part of the YMCA. "I'm looking forward to working with the YMCA and its strong commitment to its employees, those who are less fortunate, and solid Christian underpinning," said Kocab. Hugh and his family are members of the Jennings Road Church of Christ.

 The mission of the Van Wert County YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all people in our community. Please stop by or call the YMCA and personally congratulate Hugh.