Here’s the pick to lead one of the most active groups in York, Lancaster, Chester.
After three decades, the Upper Palmetto YMCA needed someone new to run the organization that serves more than a dozen sites and 46,000 members in York, Lancaster and Chester counties.
They found him.
Kirk Eich will start as president and CEO on May 1. He replaces the retiring Moe Bell who served in the same roles for 29 years.
“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead an organization that has such a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of the people in York, Chester and Lancaster counties,” Eich said in a statement. “The Upper Palmetto YMCA has a long history of extraordinary leadership and service to the community and my focus is to build on that legacy working in concert with the YMCA’s staff, volunteers,and community stakeholders.”
Upper Palmetto includes long-standing locations like its Rock Hill headquarters branch. It has newer spots like the Baxter Close facility in Fort Mill. In recent years Upper Palmetto expanded partnerships with public bodies, including the Lake Wylie aquatic center it runs for the Clover School District and the former Leroy Springs Recreation Complex it now runs for the Town of Fort Mill — now the Fort Mill YMCA at the Complex — joined by the Fort Mill Aquatic Center built by the Fort Mill School District.
Upper Palmetto also has a large new facility under construction in Indian Land.
Eich comes from YMCA of West Central Florida in Lakeland. As CEO there he led five branches and multiple programs covering more than 2,000 square miles. He was involved in a number of civic service organizations there. He’s worked with the YMCA since graduating college 29 years ago.
“Kirk is a strong, passionate and energetic leader with an unparalleled commitment to community and economic development,” said Toby Chrisley, Upper Palmetto board chair. “Kirk will provide the leadership needed to guide our association as it continues its mission of ensuring that the people of York, Chester and Lancaster counties have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”
