Hollister
– After the departure of its previous executive director in
April, the San Benito County YMCA has announced that Southern
California transplant Rochelle Callis has filled the position.
Hollister – After the departure of its previous executive director in April, the San Benito County YMCA has announced that Southern California transplant Rochelle Callis has filled the position.
Callis, 36, came to San Benito County from the YMCA in Orange County, where she worked for nine years and served most recently as the associate executive director. Callis will provide leadership for the YMCA as it progresses with plans for a new 85,000-square-foot facility on Union Road.
Callis succeeds Lou Bettencourt, who left the position in April to enjoy “semi-retirement” in New Mexico.
The YMCA’s board of directors chose Callis from a list of applicants primarily due to her experience and enthusiasm, board members said.
“She brings to the table a level of professionalism and a new perspective, which we’re looking forward to in the next chapter of our YMCA,” board member Annette Giacomazzi said.
Board Chairwoman Margie Barrios said Callis will make an excellent fit in San Benito County.
“I think she will be well received, and probably the key will be the relationships she will build with all the community members,” Barrios said.
Barrios said she thinks that forming strong bonds with locals – from educators to city officials to other citizens – will strengthen the YMCA.
For her part, Callis said she’s happy coming to a small community after working at a large urban branch.
“I’m very excited about this community,” she said. “People really get to know people. That’s what I’m seeing here in a small town. I love building those relationships with people.”
Her interest in forming relationships was one of Callis’ qualities that got her the job, Giacomazzi said.
“We believe her strength is building relationships, which is the most critical aspect in building our Y and building our new Y facility,” she said.
There will be a push at the YMCA to raise funds for the full facility over the next year. The estimated building cost is $12.8 million, while more money is needed to buy land and pay for the campaign.
A precise timeline is unknown, but it won’t be built for at least five years, Callis said.
“We’d love for it to be sooner, but we’ve got a lot of money to raise,” she said.
Although her main focus is on organizing programs and running them, Callis said she’s excited about moving forward on the new building and that she “share(s) the vision of the full facility” with the community and the board.
Callis started her first day of work as executive director Monday, and she is currently looking for a house in Hollister with her husband and two children.
“I heard there was a Chicken Festival here,” she said. “I’m looking forward to a little slower life pace.”
