Hi, I’m Lucas Hughes, the Newton YMCA’s Chief Executive Officer. I’ve been in my role since January 1, 2020, and part of our YMCA since 2017.
My wife, Jennah, is a schoolteacher in Newton and my two daughters, Remi Clementine, and Chloe Marie, are two years apart in age. When I’m not at the YMCA, you will find me and my family frequenting local stores, walking, or playing pickleball/tennis! My background in member acquisition/retention, fitness, and youth sports, allow me to lend my expertise in all areas of our YMCA, but it’s my passion to help others that gives me the gratitude to come to my job every day. Contact lucas.hughes@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006 |
Hi, I'm Kevin Clark, Property Director at the Newton YMCA. I have been with the Newton YMCA going on 9 years now and I can honestly say that it's the best job I've ever had!
I have lived in Newton all of my life and I previously worked for Maytag, Brockway Mechanical and TPI. I am married to Krista (Roper) and we have 5 children. Derrike (24) works for PDI in Ankeny IA, Kelsey (22) is a dental assistant with Fuller Associates Family Dentistry in Altoona IA, Denae (18) is attending DMACC and works at Kayla's Dance Studio right here in Newton, Mac (15) is a Freshman here at Newton High School, and Jackson (9) is in 3rd grade at Aurora Heights. My passion in life is auto racing and my son Derrike and I race karts together at the Newton Kart Klub. He has moved onto micro sprints and in a couple of years he will be moving onto sprint cars. My other favorite past time is taking trips with my wife to Las Vegas where we enjoy the shows, food, and have been known to catch a Def Leppard concert here and there. Contact Kevin at kevin.clark@newtonymca.org or by calling (641) 792-4006 |
Hi, I’m Andy Karr, Director of Finance and Human Resources, at the Newton YMCA. That job title really just means I get to handle all sorts of office-related activities, like billing, human resources, record keeping, budgeting, payroll and dancing … well, everything except that last one. I don’t dance. At least not very well.
I came to Newton in 2004, chasing a job and a girl to central Iowa from my hometown in St. Paul, Minn. The job’s changed but the woman remains the same – my lovely wife, Amanda. We have one child, our beautiful daughter Amelia, born in 2015. I’m a big sports fan and, much to the chagrin of my Chicago-loving co-workers, I root for the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Wild and Wolves. I love to read, everything from fiction to stuff about cool theoretical physics, most of which I don’t really understand. I like to unwind with a craft beer at our local brewery and playing catch or tennis with my daughter. Contact Andy at andy.karr@newtonymca.org or by calling (641) 792-4006. |
I was born and raised in Hampton, Illinois. Hampton is a small town on the banks of the Mississippi river near the Quad City area. I have worked for the Y movement for close to 20 years and have loved every minute of it.
Instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through sports is my passion. I am an avid sports fan. My favorite thing to do is watch the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball on TV. Newton has a radio affiliate for Cardinal baseball ~ KCOB AM 1280 on the dial ~ this will make me very happy during the summer months and into October (Sorry Cub fans)! My hobbies include working out, listening to music, and an occasional game of golf. One of my most memorable experiences is playing basketball in Cal Ripken’s house. I really look forward to making Newton a better place for children and families. Contact Scott at scott.taylor@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006. |
Hi, I’m Serenity Bookout, Child Care Director at the Newton YMCA. I have been with the Y in an official capacity since 2018, but have grown up inside the Y my entire life. I started in the Early Learning Center at 6 weeks old, left when I turned twelve, came back at eighteen and have been here ever since. You could say this place is a part of me.
I am married to my middle school sweetheart, Cameron. We have a dog and two cats. As you can imagine, we are quite busy. I graduated with a double major in Human Services and Psychology from Buena Vista University in 2022.. the same year my son Jaxton was born. When I am not at work, you can find me riding my motorcycle, laying on my hammock with my dogs, or shopping at the mall. Contact Serenity at serenity.bookout@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006 |
Hi, I’m Austin Rushford, the Membership Director at the Newton YMCA. I grew up in Tama, Iowa and received my BA in Exercise Science from Simpson College. Since 2013, I’ve held various management positions in the fitness industry as an ACE-CPT. I have loved helping people achieve their fitness goals and impacting their lives for long-term success.
My true passion over the years has been the relationships I have built with so many people. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all our current YMCA members and look forward in continuing to grow the “Y-Movement” with future ones. I’m extremely proud of our leadership team’s impact in providing so many opportunities for families in the community and surrounding areas. Away from work, I enjoy my beloved Starbucks Coffee, working out, and reading leadership books. There are endless opportunities to be involved with our non-profit organization. Whether it’s learning about our annual campaign or coming in for a facility tour, I’m here to help you along the way. Come see for yourself why we were voted the #1 fitness facility in Jasper County in 2023. Contact Austin at austin.rushford@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006 |
Hi, I'm Erick, Director of Ops.
I may be from Iowa City originally, but Newton has been home as long as I can remember. I met a girl in college who changed my life and 17 years/3 kids later.. here we are! I spent over 10 years working in Energy Efficiency, and another 3 as a consultant, but I was eager to get into the right TEAM environment. I'm also passionate about helping my community and getting the most out of this life, so the YMCA is a perfect fit. Here, I spend my days trying to maximize our impact by optimizing what we do, and expanding our reach. The Newton YMCA is so much more than just a gym; sure it is a multi-faceted wellness facility, but most of all... a community. Outside of work you can find me on the tennis courts (coaching or playing), cheering on the Hawks, and spending time with my family. The best life has to offer! Contact Erick at erick.zehr@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006 |
Hi, I’m Sarah Pittman, Fitness Coordinator at the Newton YMCA. I live just outside Newton with my husband, two boys, a high-spirited dog, an irritable old cat, and two leopard geckos. I grew up in a very small town about 30 minutes north of Ames so my husband and I were excited to move to a “big town” when we came here in 2010. I have my degree in Kinesiology and Health from Iowa State University and I am also a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach through the American Council on Exercise.
My life revolves around coffee, dinosaurs, legos, keeping our dog out of trouble and a never ending to do list to fix up our old house. We enjoy anytime we can spend with our families and travel as often as possible. I started at the YMCA in September 2019 as a fitness instructor/personal trainer and am excited about this new opportunity to serve the YMCA and community. Contact Sarah at sarah.pittman@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006 |
Hi, I’m Ashley Robbins, Aquatics Director at the Newton YMCA. My husband David and I live in Pella with our 3 children. Logan (6) and Travis (4) are our two wildly energetic boys. Juliana (14) is our daughter who has the biggest passion for school, performing arts and volunteering!
I started working at the Y in 2021 as a lifeguard and have since been involved in infant water acclamation classes and youth swim instruction. In 2022 I became an instructor through the Red Cross teaching Babysitter, Lifeguarding, First Aid / CPR / AED, and Wilderness / remote first aid courses. My passion for swimming started at a young age! I learned to swim when I was 3 living in Atsugi, Japan through a program put on through our local MWR called Camp Adventure (an outreach program or University of Northern Iowa). I started swim team at 7 when we lived in Sigonella, Sicily. We competed internationally through postcard meets, with other youth teams on military bases. At 13 I certified as a Scuba Diver while living in Misawa, Japan. My favorite dive location to date is Hawaii! When I’m not working you will find me having mini adventures with my family, at school activities, or volunteering with Girl Scouts and planning the next adventure to be had! Contact Ashley at ashley.robbins@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006 |
Christina Anderson
Barb Barr Jordan Bell Troy Garton Jared Gerber |
Don Hayes
Keirstin Heitman Chad Kelley Gary Martin Shad Marvelli Tom Messinger |
Rachel Olson
Sarah Patterson Brandon Tish Clayton Whipple Nick Williams |
Newton YMCA
1701 S 8th Ave E Newton, IA 50208 P: 641-792-4006 F: 641-791-3355 © Newton YMCA www.newtonymca.org |
Hours of Operation
Mon-Thurs: 5:00AM-9:00PM Friday: 5:00AM-8:00PM Saturday: 6:00AM-6:00PM Sunday: 1:00PM-5:00PM |