PeggyLee Wright Named Chair of the 2026 Heart of the Valley YMCA Annual Campaign
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – October 31, 2025 –The Heart of the Valley YMCA proudly announces PeggyLee Wright as Chair of the 2026 YMCA Annual Campaign. A veteran aviator, business leader, and community advocate, Wright brings her trademark blend of courage, strategy, and heart to lead the Y’s annual fundraising effort, which fuels programs that strengthen individuals and families across North Alabama.
A former U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, Wright flew with the 82nd Airborne Division, executed missions in Honduras and Central America, and built a foundation of grit, resilience, and operational excellence during her command at Fort Lee, Virginia. Her military career shaped her into a resilient, mission-focused leader—qualities she has carried into every role since.
After trading in her flight suit for a business suit, Wright founded THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, a Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned Small Business based in Huntsville. Her firm specializes in leadership development, business growth, and strategic execution, serving clients across government, military, non-profit, and industry sectors. Wright’s leadership philosophy centers on authenticity, accountability, and building strong, purpose-driven teams.
Beyond business, Wright is deeply committed to service and mentorship. She serves on the boards of the Huntsville SOF Network and the Heart of the Valley YMCA, and is the Executive Director of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering (ASCTE) Foundation, where she champions opportunities for the next generation of innovators and leaders.
For Wright, the YMCA’s mission is deeply personal.
“Growing up, swim lessons at the Y were one of the few luxuries my family could afford—and trust me, I was determined to make every splash count,” Wright said. “When TJ and I started our own family, the Y once again became a place where we could raise our kids, even on one income. It was where they learned to swim, play, lead, and occasionally forget to pack sunscreen for summer camp (every single year). Fast forward, all four of our kids not only went to Y camps, they came full circle and became counselors themselves.”
As 2026 Annual Campaign Chair, Wright will lead volunteers and community partners in raising critical funds to support the YMCA’s mission—ensuring everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has access to life-changing Y programs in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
“For me, the YMCA represents more than a gym or a pool. It’s a place that welcomes every family, at every stage, with open arms,” Wright added. “It’s where communities grow, kids find confidence, and parents get five glorious minutes of peace while someone else teaches their child to swim. Supporting the Y is personal—it’s my way of giving back to the place that helped shape not just me, but our entire family.”
“PeggyLee understands the true spirit of the Y—meeting community needs with compassion, courage, and commitment,” said Rob Gray, President and CEO of the Heart of the Valley YMCA. “Her leadership will not only drive next year’s campaign forward but also remind us all why the Y’s mission matters: to strengthen our community through every individual and every family we serve.”
When she’s not mentoring executives or inspiring students, Wright enjoys life’s adventures with her husband, TJ Wright, and their four children. Whether in the cockpit, the boardroom, or the community, she embodies the belief that success is measured by the lives you lift along the way.
About Heart of the Valley YMCA
The Heart of the Valley YMCA is dedicated to building healthy communities through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For over 115 years, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of the Huntsville community, empowering individuals and families to thrive in spirit, mind, and body.