First Posted: 4/29/2014
The Greater Pittston YMCA has a new leader.
Mary Ann Dziak was introduced during an open house Tuesday afternoon as the new Executive Director of the Greater Pittston YMCA.
The YMCA has been searching for a permanent executive director since Craig M. Lukatch, of Hazleton, who ran the non-profit for two years, announced his resignation on his Facebook page six months ago.
John Worley, of New Jersey, a retired CEO of the Family Y of Burlington County, took the helm until the board of directors named Dziak last week.
Dziak worked in children’s services for many years. Most recently, she was the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club in Scranton for five years. She’s spent most of her career in children and family services and education.
“It’s a little nervous, but a little exciting,” Dziak said during the open house. “The Y will be really great because there are so many things going on now focusing on health and wellness in all different categories. This Y has a really healthy base and we’re hoping to continue to grow that and involve more people.”
Dziak is no stranger to the Wyoming Valley. She received a Bachelor’s degree from King’s College in Human Resource Management and Psychology in 1994. She earned a Master’s from Misericordia University in Organizational Management.
“The sense of community is important,” she said. “That’s what I like about the Y. This is a terrific program.”
Dziak understands how the athletic services at the Y, including swimming, basketball and yoga, help to promote a healthy lifestyle. Her goal is to combine those things with healthy eating and wellness to help broaden the understanding of being a healthier person.
“One of the things we want people to know more about is the health and wellness,” she said. “There are so many issues with family and childhood obesity. You not only get the exercise. It’s important to start focusing on all of those things at the same time.”
