Middletown, Delaware – The YMCA of Delaware is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Berry as the new Middletown Family YMCA Community Executive Director. Berry will oversee one of the most highly anticipated projects for the YMCA of Delaware, as the Middletown Y just opened a new 56,000-square-foot facility on September 18th.
A Chester, Pennsylvania native, Rich Berry has called Delaware home for the past 15 years and lives in the MOT community. After graduating from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in education, Berry taught elementary, middle, and high school students. After retiring from teaching, he worked for several non-profits and traveled the country to advocate for and support our nation’s most vulnerable families. Most recently he served as the Vice President of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region where he focused on creating a holistic and inclusive environment for children, families, staff, and stakeholders.
“I am humbled and overwhelmed with excitement to join this incredible organization and team in Middletown,” Berry said. “I’ve tried to intentionally add value through my experiences while continuing to learn and grow from others. My parents emphasized the responsibility of adding value to others through service from a very young age. This was demonstrated in words, actions, and deeds. I’m eager to serve and join this phenomenal leadership team at the YMCA of Delaware. Together, we will lead Middletown to new heights and create better outcomes for our members and community.”
“We’re fortunate to have a leader like Rich Berry join our leadership team,” said YMCA President and CEO Jarrett Royster. “Rich brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Middletown community and will directly help us fulfill our Delaware Promise. It’s an exciting time for the YMCA in the MOT region, and we are confident that Rich is the right person to help us create lasting change.”
Berry has received multiple awards and accolades, including a Certificate of Commendation from Cumberland County, New Jersey and a Certificate of Achievement from Mayor Anthony Fanucci in Vineland, New Jersey. Berry served honorably in the Pennsylvania National Guard and in the United States Army Reserves for 14 years. He’s also an Executive Coach and Trainer through the John Maxwell leadership and Development Program, an Ordained Deacon, and President of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Men’s Fellowship.
In his personal life, Rich is the second oldest of five siblings. He married his high school sweetheart more than 30 years ago and they have two children together.
Interested in joining the Middletown Family YMCA? The Y will never turn anyone away due to financial need. To make YMCA memberships and programs accessible to all, they provided nearly $3.9 million in financial assistance to low-income families and individuals in 2022. It is anticipated that the new Middletown Y will provide more than $400,000 annually in financial assistance to the local community.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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