Heart of the Valley YMCA Welcomes Ramana Lewis as Vice President of Childcare and Family Services
The Heart of the Valley YMCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Ramana Lewis as its new Vice President of Childcare and Family Services, bringing more than 24 years of YMCA leadership experience and a lifelong passion for serving children, families, and communities.
Lewis began her YMCA career in aquatics with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta before continuing her leadership journey with the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg and most recently the YMCA of Central Florida. Over the past nine years, she has led youth development initiatives, expanded childcare and camp programs, strengthened operations, and developed high-performing teams across one of the nation’s largest YMCA associations.
In addition to leading one of Central Florida’s largest family centers, Lewis served as the Association Summer Camp Lead, providing strategic leadership and operational support for summer camp programs across 14 YMCA family centers. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for building strong teams, mentoring future leaders, and creating innovative programs that positively impact children and families.
As Vice President of Childcare and Family Services, Lewis will provide strategic leadership for the Heart of the Valley YMCA’s early childhood education, childcare, afterschool, out-of-school time, and summer camp programs. She will work closely with YMCA staff, families, schools, and community partners to expand access to high-quality childcare and youth development opportunities while ensuring programs remain safe, enriching, and responsive to community needs.
“Ramana’s passion for youth development, her extensive YMCA leadership experience, and her commitment to developing people make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Rob Gray, President & CEO of the Heart of the Valley YMCA. “She understands that strong childcare and family programs do more than serve today’s needs—they build stronger families, develop confident young people, and create healthier communities for generations to come. We’re excited to welcome Ramana to Heart of the Valley YMCA and look forward to the impact she’ll make across our association.”
For Lewis, the YMCA’s mission is deeply personal.
As a YMCA mom, her two daughters grew up participating in YMCA programs—from Infant Survival Swim and Dance Academy to youth sports, summer camp, and family events. Experiencing the YMCA as both a professional and a parent has strengthened her belief in the organization’s ability to transform lives.
“The YMCA isn’t just a place people come to—it’s a community where children gain confidence, families find support, and leaders are developed,” Lewis said. “I’m honored to join the Heart of the Valley YMCA and look forward to partnering with our staff, families, and community organizations to expand access to high-quality childcare, develop exceptional leaders, and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Lewis joins the Heart of the Valley YMCA as the organization continues its commitment to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility by providing high-quality programs that empower children, support families, and create opportunities for all to reach their full potential.
About the Heart of the Valley YMCA
Driven by its mission to strengthen community, the Heart of the Valley YMCA empowers individuals and families through programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Through childcare, youth sports, wellness programs, camps, and community partnerships, the YMCA provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive.