YMCA director loves his job

LANCASTER - Robert K. Fox Family YMCA Executive Director Mike Lieber certainly enjoys his job.

“I do,” the Chillicothe native said. “Think about it; a lot of places people work, they hate to go there but they’ve got to work. People love coming to the Y. It’s a great atmosphere to be in. People say they hate to work out, but most of the people are doing it because they really want to. So it’s a fun atmosphere. I’ve got a great staff and I have since I got here.”

Lieber has held his position since 2005 and has about 100 full-time and part-time employees. Of that number, 25 to 30 have been with Lieber since he started.

Lieber reports to the Y’s board of directors. One of his main duties is working with staff to develop and execute programs for both children and adults. Programs include everything from child care to fitness. The Y features sports like swimming, baseball, volleyball and basketball. It also has a fitness room with weights and cardio equipment, with an indoor track encircling it. Yoga is also a large part of the Y.

The YMCA also owns the Rec Plex at 1180 E. Locust St. The Rec Plex offers gymnastics, tennis, baseball and volleyball, among other things. It also houses the Police Athletic League boxing program.

“We offer a wide gamut of programs and opportunities for people to try to get involved with that is all centered around trying to make them healthier and trying to make them mentally and physically in a better place,” Lieber said.

Not that it’s always easy to help people become healthier. Lieber compared the decision of getting healthier to buying a car. People may know they need a new one, but put off actually buying one.

“Everybody knows they should eat healthy,” Lieber said. “Everybody knows we should exercise. But it takes a while for your mind and body (to decide) that today I’m going to do it. And when they’re ready for that, we hope to have enough programs and opportunities that will engage them so they will feel comfortable and will continue that.”

Lieber also works out himself.

“I try to get in at least two or three times a week, depending on schedules,” he said. “I’m here all day, but normally there’s things going on. But at least once a week, my wife (Marla) and I try to work out together with a trainer that we hire and pay for just like you or anyone else would.”

Lieber said working out also lets him see and feel issues that may be affecting members.

Away from work, the Ohio State graduate is an avid sports fan and follows the school’s basketball and football teams. He has also gone to the state high school basketball tournament in Columbus each year for the past 30 years.

Lieber is a Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds fan who enjoys spending time with his two children and six grandchildren.

Lieber is also a Rotary member and works with the United Way.

jbarron@lancastereaglegazette.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron