He made a difference
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on August 6, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Goldsboro Family YMCA's Chief Executive Officer John Richards is greeted by well-wishers at the beginning of his retirement party Sunday. His last day is Friday.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Goldsboro Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer John Richards hugs resident painter Rochelle "X2" Halaka for the painting honoring his retirement Sunday.
A lot of people from different walks of life remember the difference John Richards has made at the helm of the Goldsboro Family YMCA for the past 21 years.
And many continue to reflect on how he influenced their life for the better back when he was the head coach of the swim team, a position he held for 19 years, starting in 1986.
Richards, who has been with the YMCA 32 years, including the past 21 as chief executive officer, retires Friday.
On Sunday, close to 200 people turned out for his retirement party at the YMCA, some traveling from as far as Paris.
"For many of us, Richards was a second father," said Bobbi Newton, a former member of the swim team when Richards was head coach.
"Many of the life skills that we have today is because of him. He changed our lives. He made us the people that we are today.
"Thank you so much for that gift."
Newton, who traveled from Paris to Goldsboro for the celebration, was one of eight former swimmers who attended the retirement party.
During his tenure as swim coach, many of his swimmers competed at the national level, and some continued to swim in college.
On Sunday afternoon, the entrance of the YMCA was decorated with a large banner -- "Congratulations John Richards on your retirement."
Inside the multipurpose room, Richards said the day was bittersweet.
"I have spent 32 years here and have enjoyed every minute," Richards said. "This Y has changed over the years for the good. When I first arrived here, we had 800 members. Now, we have 10,000.
"It does my heart good to know that I had a little to do with some of the success here."
Under his leadership, the YMCA experienced growth and a $1.5 million building expansion.
Richards said he wants his successor to enjoy the YMCA family, a cornerstone of the local YMCA known for its focus on families. The YMCA also strives to create programs and opportunities with the goal of creating a healthier community.
Richards said retirement will mean spending more time at the beach with his wife, Gail. He will also have more time to see his parents.
His parents, John and Rose Richards, said they are proud of the work their son has accomplished.
"He has done a great job," his father, John Richards, said. "We are just happy for him."
During the celebration, Richards was presented with a plaque from the YMCA and a gift from the American Revolution, presented by state president George Struck. Rochelle Halaka painted a portrait of Richards that will be on display inside the Goldsboro Family YMCA.
The board of directors at the YMCA has started the process of finding Richards' successor and has expressed that it will be a challenge finding a new leader with the expertise Richards brought to the table, said Betsy Wisniewski, who serves as chief volunteer officer.
Wisniewski said the goal is to have Richards' position filled in the fall. She said that it will be a challenge filling Richards' shoes.
"He is a good man with a great knowledge of the Y, and how it operates," Wisniewski said. "Anyone who fills his shoes will have a big job to do. I know that we will have a number of qualified candidates as we move forward during the search."
Norman Joyner will serve as interim chief executive officer until a replacement is named.