DATE: Sunday, October 26, 1997              TAG: 9710240281

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: 20 QUESTIONS 

SOURCE: BY SCOTT MCCASKEY, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:  104 lines

JEFF WARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUFFOLK YMCA

He says he has worked very hard to get where he is.

At age 27, Jeff Ward is the executive director of the Suffolk YMCA and one of the youngest people in the Y organization statewide to hold that high a position.

``I've always had a hard-work ethic,'' Ward said, a Suffolk native who grew up in the Eclipse section. ``I believe in leading by example.''

Ward began working at the Brooks Swim and Racquet Club in the mid-1980s and continued his after-school job as a lifeguard and swimming instructor when the Y bought the site in 1987.

Upon graduating from Alliance Christian High School in Portsmouth, he worked his way through Christopher Newport University, - at the Y, and also waiting tables and working at the Newport News Shipyard.

In 1990, Ward was hired full-time as the Suffolk Y's aquatics instructor, which meant he had to finish his bachelor's degree in governmental administration on a part-time basis. After graduation, he was promoted to program director, then to senior program director as the branch expanded.

``I oversaw membership, fitness and youth sports programs, aquatics, and community outreach,'' Ward said.

In 1994, he was promoted to associate director at the Norfolk Y. Last January, the opening for the head job in Suffolk came up, and Ward got it.

``I applied for the job and was happy to come back home and be part of a community that is growing and really supports the Y,'' Ward said. ``I feel we have a really positive impact.''

The contribution the Y is making is obvious in the facility's 10,000 sqaure-foot renovation project. An outdoor pool was completed in 1995, with an indoor pool, weight and cardio room, and full-court basketball gymnasium now under construction. The total cost is about $1.5 million.

Although the expansion plans were in the works before Ward took over, he's running a steady course, according to his office manager.

``Mr. Ward is moving us forward in the same mode as Mr. Lee,'' said Y office manager Ethel Owen, who is in her 60s. ``Jeff is a remarkable young man. He's very mature, and has the quality traditional family values that many at his age do not have. He's doing a fantastic job, and people do not resent his youth.''

As a Christian, Ward says his job is very fulfilling.

``The Y is a Christian organization driven by a Christian mission,'' he said. ``We're a health and wellness center, offering something for the whole family. And through our financial aid drives, we are open to anyone regardless of their ability to pay.''

Ward said the Y has grown along with city. The branch opened with about 250 members, a number that has grown to more than 1,400 today.

Although, Ward likes the growth in Suffolk, he also enjoys the 2-acre plot he and his wife Kit live on in the northern part of the city.

``I do enjoy the rural feel because that's how I grew up,'' Ward said. ``But I also like the growing business.''

While Ward admits that he and his wife, who is an accountant, are workaholics, he says the toils are well worth it.

``We've given up some leisurely options, no doubt,'' he said. ``But in the long run it will pay off. We're thinking of starting a family soon.''

What brought you here? I lived in Suffolk all my life.

Birthdate/Hometown: Dec. 20, 1970 Suffolk.

Fondest childhood memories: Looking, always having two very conservative and supportive parents.

Marital status: Married to Kit for five years.

Pets: A dog, Whiskey, and three ducks.

First job/worst job: Delivering the Ledger Star, I've learned something from every job I've had so I do not consider any job as the ``worst.''

Occupation: Executive Director of the Suffolk YMCA.

If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? To be the CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. Hopefully that will come in time.

What is your favorite hangout? Hanging out with wife at our home, and renovating parts of the house and yard.

Favorite night on the town: Dinner just about anywhere I can get a good steak and a movie.

Favorite food/drink: Steak and potatoes/Mountain Dew.

Favorite movies/TV show: Tom Clancy books made into movies/``Home Improvement.''

Book you wish everyone would read: The Bible. It will teach you all you need to know in life.

Ideal vacation: What's a vacation? My wife and I have both worked very hard to succeed in careers at a young age. We keep planning to take one eventually.

Something you can't resist: A.I. steak sauce. I like it on just about everything.

Few people know that I used: To have long hair.

Most embarrassing moment: Getting the telephone call from the newspaper about this article the same day I got this crew cut.

What would you do/buy if you won the lottery? That depends on how big the lottery is.

What is the best advice you've been given and by whom: Set goals, aim high, strive to achieve and work hard. Collective advice from my parents and grandparents.

What's the best thing about yourself? I have conservative values and like the simple things in life.

If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be, and why? I would not mind having Bill Gates check book.

What achievements are you the most proud of? My marriage, my career, and earning Eagle Scout.

Something you wish to say but haven't: Since the backdrop for this photo is the YMCA's new 10,000 square-foot addition, I would like to invite the community to come by for a building tour. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER

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