Athens Reporter

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Nov. 24. 

Throughout her forty-two-year career, Kitty Meyran has held almost every leadership role at the Athens YWCO from instructor to CEO.  Recently, she shared her plans to retire at the end of February 2022. 

Kitty’s connection to the Athens YWCO is a family tradition she honored with her many decades of service. Kitty’s mother, Ann Jarrell, attended the first session of Jenny Arnold Edwards Camp on Jennings Mill Road.  Her mom would later serve on the board including a stint as Board President from 1975-77.  Kitty similarly spent much of her youth as a camper and counselor in training at Jenny Arnold Edwards Camp.  She participated in Y Teens and learned to swim, as so many Athenians have, at the Athens YWCO. 

Kitty first joined the YWCO staff in 1979 when a friend, who knew Kitty to be a trained dancer, suggested she bring the latest exercise craze to Athens. Kitty was hired to begin the first Dancing Aerobics class at the YWCO, the first of its kind, in the area. Later she served as Swim Instructor, Aquatics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Fitness Coordinator, Director of Young World, and Director of the YWCO.  She was named Chief Executive Officer in 2004. 

Kitty skillfully led the YWCO through both lean and abundant years financially.  She aided the Board in making many challenging decisions that have proven to be wise choices.  During her tenure, the soccer fields were developed, the Anne Florence Gymnasium constructed and later dedicated, the Clubhouse established, and countless capital campaigns undertaken for various renovations and repairs at the Research Drive location. Programmatic growth was also a hallmark of her tenure having launched Silver Sneakers, the Summer Girls Club, and a robust After-School Program in all Oconee county elementary schools. 

Kitty is passionate about all that the YWCO offers in pursuit of its mission.  Her goal at all times is for the programs of the YWCO to create a positive culture of health and acceptance. “Regardless of where a program is delivered—at the main YWCO facility, at Alps Road School for Summer Girls Camp or on a playground at Oconee County Schools—Kitty and her dedicated staff create opportunities for community members of all ages to pursue health, fitness and fellowship in a safe, welcoming environment,” said Board President Bret Thurmond.

2021 marks the Athens YWCO’s 115th year of recreation programs to the greater Athens community based on shared Christian values. The Board of Directors extends their heartfelt gratitude to Kitty Meyran for her many years of devoted service that has made this milestone possible.

The mission of the YWCO is to serve the Athens community by providing programming options that teach new skills, increase self-confidence, build character, develop physical fitness, and promote healthy lifestyles.  Offering a wide range of recreation activities for men and women, fitness classes, swim lessons and after school and summer camp experiences, the YWCO encourages social interaction among children, families and senior adults.

For more information, visit www.ywco.org.  

Original source can be found here.