The YMCA is often considered a beacon for the community’s youth; a place where values and good health habits are instilled and successes great and small are championed.

However, the celebrated achievements are not exclusive to the youth who visit the YMCA. Devon Brown, the Decatur County YMCA’s program director, recently completed a major step in his career, and he did it much earlier than most employees of the national organization.

Brown, 25, recently earned his Organizational Leader Certification, formerly known as Senior Director Certification, after two years of training. The certification is necessary for anyone who wants to become a director or CEO of the Y, and most do it much later in their careers.

“You usually don’t get it so quickly, but I had experience, which helped me,” Brown said.

According to the YMCA Website, the certification requires more than 100 hours of training courses, such as Teaching of Others; Volunteerism; Living the YMCA Legacy; Fiscal Management; Group Work; Creative Leadership; Leading People of Higher Performance; Managing Communication Challenges; and a 40-hour YMCA Principle and Practices course. He traveled to YMCAs in Chicago; Cincinnati; Covington, Ky.; and Indianapolis as well as took numerous Internet courses to complete the task. It also requires 20 continuing education credits every five years.

It also shows a deep commitment to the organization.

Brown said he definitely is committed to the YMCA and each kid that passes through his programs.

Brown’s career path may not be so different from others. He grew up in the area, and said he basically lived at the YMCA as a kid. His aunt, Jenny Cathey, was CEO of the YMCA when it was on Broadway Street. Most of his afternoons and weekends were spent there.

“I lived out in the county, so I always rode the bus straight to the Y. My aunt had a cot in her office for me,” he said.

Through his early association with the organization, Brown began working part time at the Y during high school and off and on during college. He earned a teaching degree, and nearly accepted a position with a school district when a full-time position became available in Greensburg. He has been the full-time program director for about three years, and he doesn’t see himself leaving any time soon.

“I love it here. I love this Y. My dreams are here,” Brown said.

Brown said working with kids at the Y is a fulfilling daily endeavor. It requires long hours, he noted, and the money is not astronomical, but he wasn’t looking for a job that pays six figures.

“Money is not a factor. It’s fulfillment,” Brown said. “My dad, who’s a man of few words, always said, ‘Pick a career, not a job.’”

Brown feels he has found a way to live out that sound advice. On a daily basis, he works with kids on a variety of programs, from sports leagues to after school programs, such as Afternoon ROCK and the Little Learners. Sometimes, he said, he works 60 to 70 hours per week, but knowing he is there for kids in need makes it worthwhile.

“There are kids here who don’t have any other way of socializing. They get to come here and they’re not home alone,” Brown said. “I love the diversity and being able to make a real impact on their lives.”

Plus, he noted, he gets to play with kids all day.

“My wife thinks it’s hilarious because we’ll go out and I’ll know more kids under 15 than parents,” Brown said.

He and his wife, Allison, recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. He noted he couldn’t have done any of this without her help.

“She’s been one of my biggest supporters,” Brown said. “It’s been rough, especially when I work 70 to 80 hours in a week. Sometimes, she volunteers just so we can spend time together and she gets participate and come play with me.”

Brown said without his wife’s understanding, he likely wouldn’t be able to handle the position, but she appreciates his dedication to the Y and the children of Decatur County.

Another supporter, he noted, was current Y CEO Diane Hart-Dawson, who has helped him grow in the leadership role. Brown noted she makes his work easier and her guidance helps him grow in his position at the right pace.

She also offers support to his decision making, which means he keeps the basketball courts and the playing fields friendly, open and free of swear words. Brown noted he feels the Y’s the values and open acceptance should be paramount in all programs, whether its open gym night or a youth soccer league.

With that kind of support, he said, he doesn’t have to look for the next big career jump or worry about making more money.

“I don’t have to worry about sacrificing what I feel is right for a few extra bucks,” Brown said.