Randy Bugos, the longtime president and CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, will retire effective April 1 after 25 years as the agency’s top executive, its corporate board announced Tuesday.
“Randy’s leadership and vision have been instrumental to the wonderful growth and success that our local Y’s have experienced the last two and a half decades. The Y is now as strong as it has ever been and serves more people than any time in its 159-year history,” said board chairman David Mason. “Our entire YMCA family and the communities we serve owe him heartfelt thanks for all that he has done and the legacy he leaves behind.”
When Bugos arrived in Savannah in 1989, there were two Y’s in Chatham County, one on Habersham Street and one on Wilmington Island. The operating budget was $900,000. Under his leadership, the YMCA now has 12 branches, including six units in Chatham County in addition to branches serving Effingham, Bryan, Liberty, Macintosh and Glynn counties.
The annual operating budget is more than $20 million.
During his tenure, the Y on Habersham has undergone major renovations and additions. The old Island Y on Wilmington Island was sold, and a new larger Y was built on Whitemarsh Island. Money was raised, and new facilities were built in Pooler, Rincon, Hinesville and Richmond Hill.
Two years ago the Y acquired the YWCA facility in Brunswick.
“All of these facilities will be around to serve future generations. They are a testament to the fact that YMCAs make their communities a better place to live,” Bugos said. “The generosity of the businesses and individuals in these communities is what made all of this happen.”
Over the last 25 years the local Y has raised close to $15 million to support building and capital efforts. In addition, nearly $10 million has been contributed through the Annual Campaign and special projects to support ongoing Y programs.
Last year alone the Y served more than 87,000 people and provided more than $3 million in subsidies and scholarship support to deserving youth and families.
“Savannah and the surrounding community really is a very philanthropic area. Our donors, supporters and volunteers are the real heroes of this story,” Bugos said.
Prior to the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Bugos served as a vice president with Central Florida YMCA in Orlando and held leadership positions with the Tuscaloosa County YMCA in Alabama. He began his YMCA career as a youth director with the Greater Peoria YMCA in Illinois.
Mason said a search committee of board volunteers has been named to look for a successor to Bugos.
“Randy’s continued leadership during this transition will help ensure that the Y keeps its focus on the mission and commitment to providing quality services and programs to all who we serve,” Mason said.