Wildwood Y Has New Ace in the Hole

As the new executive director of the , Mike Ace already is focused on ensuring a bright future for the greater Wildwood/Eureka community. He’s committed to the work of the Y that forwards youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Were it not for an internship at the Houston YMCA when he was in college at University of Wisconsin getting a bachelor's degree in recreational administration, Ace's career path might have led elsewhere. But he said he found the Y a natural fit for his values, and what he wanted to accomplish in his career, so he became a program director at a YMCA in Houston. He moved up to executive director and then on to the Beloit YMCA where he was CEO of an independent association of three branches. Coming to the Wildwood YMCA puts him in a larger metropolitan area, and brings him nearer to extended family.

Ace said he feels at home in St. Louis. He’s visited the area, hit many of the highlights and gone to Trout Lodge. "I appreciate the friendliness here, and seem to find some connection with a Wisconsin native every day."

He claims to have always been a big Cardinals' fan. But his Green Bay Packer tendencies were set early on. “Growing up in Wisconsin, on Sunday afternoons, a different family every week would host the neighborhood to watch the game,” he said. “The kids had to stay upstairs. It was a big deal to me when I was deemed old enough to go downstairs.”

Ace is anxious to have the chance to explore more of the area once he gets settled. He likes to kayak and said he may tour wineries and out-of-the-way places with his wife. Otherwise, he’s not sure, being a brand new empty nester. Both of his kids are now in college. But up until now everything--mainly sports of all sorts--has been family-oriented.

To lead an effort such as the Y, Ace reads books and finds online resources that relate to people in some way--everything from developing others to leadership and change. People are at the core of the Y, he said, whether they’re members, coaches, volunteers, a parent, a swimmer, dancer or someone involved in another way.

While he sees challenges as opportunities, he acknowledges that space is tight at the Wildwood Y. "It’s a challenge to balance offerings to meet the needs of all. A treadmill is a treadmill, soccer ball a soccer ball,” he said. “But at the end of the day, what’s most important is to help people learn, grow and thrive. That’s what we do.”

Editor's Note:  Author Christie Greer is the district marketing director based at the Wildwood Family YMCA.