Leo Parsons
Leo Parsons, CTDI president & COO (CTDI), has been appointed as 2016 association campaign chair for the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. In this role, Parsons will spearhead the Y’s annual campaign that last year raised more than $1.1 million that provided scholarships for 13,000 families and sent 4,727 kids to summer camp in Chester County.
This year’s campaign kicks off Feb. 11 with the goal to raise $1.3 million.
Both CTDI and Parsons have a long-term history of partnering with the Y and the role of annual campaign chairman is a natural next step to staying engaged with an organization which Parsons is so passionate about.
“The Y does such great work to positively impact the community,” Parsons said. “It was an easy decision to help. The need for financial assistance throughout all the Chester County branches grows, and the importance of the annual campaign is greater now than ever.”
These generous contributions enable children to have nurturing, high-quality childcare while their parents work and give youth a place for homework help and interactions with positive role models. Children stay safe in and around the water with the Safety Around Water program. And children who otherwise would spend summers alone go to camp where they make friends, learn new skills and discover a supportive community.
“Leo Parsons’ longstanding partnership with the Y and dedication to the local community make him the ideal match for this important leadership role with our association,” said Denise Day, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.
“He is a leader in the Chester County community and his work has enabled nonprofits, like the Y, to reach even more people in need in Chester County,” Day added. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Parsons to this role to help advance the Y’s mission and support more youth and families in 2016.”
Parsons has been active with the Y since 1994, originally serving on the West Chester Area YMCA Board for nine years and again since 2004. He later joined the association board, where he served until 2012, including two years as its chair.
Parsons and his wife, Maryanne, were recipients of the Y’s Service to Youth Award in 2005 for their unwavering commitment to community youth. In 2012, he received the YMCA’s Distinguished Service Award for his efforts and achievements to promote community service and his high standard of leadership.
“For so many, the Y is a place they can go to and feel safe, surrounded by others with shared values and experiences,” Parsons said. “For others, they are given the opportunity to learn invaluable life lessons and skills at the Y, such as learning to swim or building reading and writing skills over the summer.
“These experiences contribute to building a better community with strong children who will grow into impactful leaders in our communities.”
