HOLDREGE – YMCA Sports Program Director Joel Pelster has been selected as the new Executive Branch Director of the Don Sjogren Community YMCA.
Pelster began his YMCA career in Holdrege in January 2018. During the past seven years, he has grown youth and adult sports participation numbers and launched a popular pickleball program with four annual tournaments.
“I have met so many people and more importantly now friends through Y programs,” Pelster said. “I’ve also been able to see other friendships form through our programs whether that be two 3-year-olds becoming best friends at Rookie Sports or a group of pickleballers hanging out outside of pickleball.”
Pelster replaces former branch executive director Brett Bebensee, who served as director for nearly three years and has accepted another position in Holdrege.
The Don Sjogren Community YMCA is one of three branches that is part of the YMCA of the Prairie Association. YMCA of the Prairie CEO Riley Gruntorad said Pelster has done an exceptional job of leading the sports department, and he is confident that Pelster will bring the same level of excellence to his new role.
“His strong community connections and the relationships he has built will serve us well as we continue to grow and thrive,” Gruntorad said. “I’m truly excited about the future of the Don Sjogren Community YMCA with Joel at the helm.”
Pelster is an Ogallala native and earned a bachelor of Sports & Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Before starting his Y career, he worked at his family’s lumber business. The knowledge he gained there will be beneficial in his new role at the YMCA.
Pelster said one of the biggest challenges will be maintaining the YMCA facility, which is 18 old now.
“Our building is getting to the point where certain things are hitting their life span or require additional cost,” Pelster said. “We will focus on the things we can control like facility cleanliness and maintenance.”
Pelster said Y members and staff shouldn’t notice any major changes as he transitions to the leadership role.
“On my end, however, I will be changing offices and shifting my work hours,” Pelster said. “Instead of seeing me at the Y at 9 p.m., you’ll see me more at 9 a.m.”
Pelster said he is confident in the staff who will assume his sports program responsibilities.
“As branch executive, one of my jobs will be to help support directors and coordinators with their areas so I won’t ever completely be leaving the sports area,” he said.
Pelster said he is grateful for Bebensee’s leadership over the past few years, and he is glad the YMCA is “on the path toward being the main focal point of the community again.”
“With Riley as the CEO, the branch board, our current leadership team, and staff at the Y, I believe we are in a great position to take the Don Sjogren Community YMCA to heights it has never been before,” Pelster said.
The YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the community through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.ymcaoftheprairie.org.
