Lauri Weeks named executive director at YMCA Sussex branch

Lauri Weeks has been named the new executive director of the Sussex Family YMCA, announced CEO Deborah Bagatta-Bowles of the YMCA of Delaware.

“Lauri has worked at the Sussex Y for the last four years and has proven herself to be a dedicated, enthusiastic, commited individual who breathes life into the YMCA’s mission daily. We feel strongly about giving Y staff the ability and opportunity for growth and promotion within the organization, and Lauri’s earned this. She’s worked side by side with Terry Rasberry, who will be missed. We plan on a very smooth transition,” said Bagatta-Bowles.

Weeks was born and grew up in Rehoboth Beach. As a teenager, she developed an interest in swimming and the work of Rehoboth Beach lifeguards. As a mom, Weeks brought her own children to the Sussex Family YMCA to learn to swim, and through the years, her two sons and her daughter joined the Y’s swim teams and never left.

Weeks graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in architecture and a master's degree from the University of Delaware in communication.

After working for many years, Weeks became a full-time mom. Ever active in the community, Weeks worked for the YWCA for a year before being hired by Rasberry, who recently retired. Weeks said, “ It’s a joy to step up and lead this branch. Terry Rasberry did great work, and I’ve learned a lot from him. We have work to do, but with new staff in place, we are anxious to grow, meet the needs of our community, and go above and beyond for our members.”

The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the citizens of Delaware through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. To learn more, go to www.ymcade.org.