He served as the volunteer board chairman from 2003-05, and as president and CEO since 2005.
Kendall Wright, chair of the Y’s volunteer Board of Trustees, said, “Woody’s focus on improving organizational culture and building trust enriched the Y’s employee experience, ensuring continued relevance in Y programming and service to our communities.”
Fitton led capital projects, including the East Butler YMCA Ruder Family Water Park; renovations to the downtown Middletown YMCA; and creation of the Y’s seventh branch, the Atrium Family YMCA.
In other significant moves, collaboration with the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields expanded access to youth sports programming for youth with developmental disabilities.
“There have been so many accomplishments that happened at the Y and probably could never have happened without Woody leading the organization,” said Attorney Cynamon Trokhan, who was a board chairwoman and member during Fitton’s tenure.
Soon after he became president the YMCA began its collaboration with Atrium Medical Center that resulted in the Atrium Family YMCA in Middletown, she said. That arrangement was “a really long and laborious process with a lot of negotiations, legal documents and strong personalities,” she said.
She credited Fitton’s ability to read people and his business experience he had from his work at First Financial Bank for making the collaboration possible.
The Booker T. Washington Community Center collaboration also helped Hamilton’s Second Ward community, and also benefitted the Y, she said.
Key to his success was the fact “Woody’s never met a stranger,” Trokhan said. “He’s a good person to be around. You like to be around him, and he really reaches out and tries to help everyone around him reach their fullest potential.”
Fitton said he was proud of the Y staff’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic, including “the sacrifices made, the boldness and bravery shown, and the selflessness exhibited that enabled the GMV YMCA to not only survive, but thrive.”
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
“I strongly believe our YMCA is worthy of strong community support based on the tremendous impact it has made on so many people over the years,” he added. “I sure intend to continue to be a strong Y supporter and hope others will do the same.”
He often told people: “To have the life you want, be present in the life you have,” words that YMCA leaders believe grounded staff and volunteers in reflections of gratitude and hope, propelling the organization during the pandemic.
Fitton also served as chairman of the Ohio Alliance of YMCAs.
Taking over as the next president and CEO in February will be Mike Bramer, who now is vice president of operations at the YMCA of Greater Louisville.
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