Heart of the Valley YMCA Announces John Lewis as Vice President of Member Experience & Growth
The Heart of the Valley YMCA is pleased to announce John Lewis as its new Vice President of Member Experience & Growth, a newly created executive leadership role dedicated to enhancing the member experience, strengthening community connections, and driving strategic membership growth across the association.
Lewis brings more than 15 years of YMCA leadership experience and joins the Heart of the Valley YMCA from the YMCA of Central Florida, one of the nation’s largest YMCA associations with an annual operating budget exceeding $50 million. Throughout his YMCA career, he has built a strong reputation for driving membership growth, operational excellence, and developing high-performing teams. His leadership experience also includes roles with the YMCA of Greenville and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.
In his new role, Lewis will lead the association’s membership strategy, overseeing initiatives that strengthen engagement, improve retention, develop staff, and create welcoming experiences that connect individuals and families to the Y’s programs, services, and mission.
“John is a proven YMCA leader whose passion for serving people aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Rob Gray, President and CEO of the Heart of the Valley YMCA. “His leadership and commitment to creating exceptional member experiences will strengthen our Y and the families we serve.”
For Lewis, the opportunity is deeply personal.
“The Y has been a second home for my family, and watching our daughters grow up through YMCA programs has inspired my passion for creating meaningful experiences for others,” Lewis said. “The Heart of the Valley YMCA’s inspiring resilience and spirit of renewal is what drew me to this opportunity. I’m excited to help build on that momentum and expand the Y’s local impact, ensuring it continues to be an essential community resource, while delivering an exceptional and inclusive member experience for all.
Lewis, his wife, and their two daughters are excited to make Huntsville their home and become active members of the greater Huntsville community.
“As our communities continue to grow, so does the opportunity for the YMCA to connect more people to programs, relationships, and experiences that improve lives,” said Bev Capps, Chief Operating Officer of the Heart of the Valley YMCA. “John’s leadership will help ensure every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, valued, and inspired to belong.”
About the Heart of the Valley YMCA
The Heart of the Valley YMCA is a community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. By providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, the Y offers programs and services that strengthen the community and help individuals reach their full potential.

