Lucas Hughes - C.E.O.
Hi, I’m Lucas Hughes, the Chief Executive Officer. I have worked at the Newton YMCA since October 2017 and I'm loving it! I am happily married to my beautiful wife, Jennah and parents to our daughters, Remi and Chloe. We also have two dogs, Margo and Tucker. Jennah and I recently moved back from Denver, Colorado where I held a youth sports coordinator position for the City of Lakewood. While living in Colorado, we loved going skiing, hiking, and enjoyed long walks with our dogs, but Iowa was calling for us to come back home.
My background in member acquisition/retention, fitness, and athletics allow me to lend my expertise in certain areas of our YMCA, but it’s my passion to help others that gives me the gratitude to come to my job every day with a smile.
Contact lucas.hughes@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006
My background in member acquisition/retention, fitness, and athletics allow me to lend my expertise in certain areas of our YMCA, but it’s my passion to help others that gives me the gratitude to come to my job every day with a smile.
Contact lucas.hughes@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006
Kevin Clark - Property Director
Hi, I'm Kevin Clark, Property Director at the Newton YMCA. I have been with the Newton YMCA going on 7 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
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
Malachi Jenkins - Aquatics Director
Hi, I am Malachi Jenkins, the Aquatics Director for the Newton YMCA. I was born and raised here in Newton. I started lifeguarding in 2016 as summer camp staff at a scout camp and found my love for aquatics. I have been working in aquatics the past 5 years as a lifeguard and assistant aquatics director. I am currently pursuing my psychology degree through online college classes. I am very grateful I can work in aquatics at the Y and am always looking for ways to make our aquatics programs the best that they can be.
I really enjoy challenging myself with the hobbies I do. I was a Boy Scout for 7 years and like hiking and camping in the outdoors. The past few years I have stated playing basketball and recently I joined winter swim team for a season here at the Newton YMCA to push myself to become a better swimmer.
Contact Malachi at malachi.jenkins@newtonymca.org or by calling (641) 792-4006.
I really enjoy challenging myself with the hobbies I do. I was a Boy Scout for 7 years and like hiking and camping in the outdoors. The past few years I have stated playing basketball and recently I joined winter swim team for a season here at the Newton YMCA to push myself to become a better swimmer.
Contact Malachi at malachi.jenkins@newtonymca.org or by calling (641) 792-4006.
Andy Karr - Finance & HR Director
Hi, I’m Andy Karr, Director of Finance and Human Resources, at the Newton YMCA. That bloated 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’m a devout Mad Men and Game of Thrones fanatic and I have a big, fluffy Great Pyrenees named Bailey, who’s great for wrestling or just warming your feet on a cold winter night.
Contact Andy at andy.karr@newtonymca.org or by calling (641) 792-4006.
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’m a devout Mad Men and Game of Thrones fanatic and I have a big, fluffy Great Pyrenees named Bailey, who’s great for wrestling or just warming your feet on a cold winter night.
Contact Andy at andy.karr@newtonymca.org or by calling (641) 792-4006.
Scott Taylor - Adult & Youth Sports Director
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.
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.
Serenity Bookout - Childcare Director
Hi, I’m Serenity Bookout, Child Care Director at the Newton YMCA. I have been with the Y for three years but have grown up inside the Y my entire life. I started in childcare at the age of 6 weeks old, left when I turned twelve, and came back at the age of eighteen and haven’t left. You can say this place is a part of me.
I am married to my middle school sweetheart, Cameron. We have two dogs and two cats. As you can imagine, we are quite busy. I am currently pursuing a double major in Human Services and Psychology from Buena Vista University. I am expected to graduate May 2022. While 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
I am married to my middle school sweetheart, Cameron. We have two dogs and two cats. As you can imagine, we are quite busy. I am currently pursuing a double major in Human Services and Psychology from Buena Vista University. I am expected to graduate May 2022. While 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
Austin Rushford - Membership Director
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 have 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 members over the previous years. I hope to bring that same passion with our current and future members of the Newton YMCA, as well as getting to know the amazing people around the community of Newton. I’m very much looking forward to the transition to a Non-Profit organization and hope to make an impact for this community and make the Newton YMCA the best fitness facility for all families in Central Iowa.
Away from work, I enjoy my beloved Starbucks Coffee, working out, watching movies, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. I’m excited to see what the Newton YMCA has in store for the future and look forward in working with all our amazing team and community.
Contact Austin at austin.rushford@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006
My true passion over the years has been the relationships I have built with members over the previous years. I hope to bring that same passion with our current and future members of the Newton YMCA, as well as getting to know the amazing people around the community of Newton. I’m very much looking forward to the transition to a Non-Profit organization and hope to make an impact for this community and make the Newton YMCA the best fitness facility for all families in Central Iowa.
Away from work, I enjoy my beloved Starbucks Coffee, working out, watching movies, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. I’m excited to see what the Newton YMCA has in store for the future and look forward in working with all our amazing team and community.
Contact Austin at austin.rushford@newtonymca.org or call (641) 792-4006
Alvaro Alvarez - Fitness Director
Hi, I’m Alvaro Alvarez, Fitness Director at the Newton YMCA. I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. I first came to the United States in 2017 to go to college at Monmouth College, in Illinois. I played collegiate soccer during my time at Monmouth College and earned Midwest Conference and NCAA collective and individual sport recognitions. In 2021, I graduated with a Double Major in Exercise Science and Business Administration and a Minor in Economics.
I am passionate about sports (especially soccer and skiing) and fitness. I like to try new ways of training and I am always up for a new challenge so if you know of anything that I should try, stop by, and tell me about it. When I am not at work, you can find me playing sports, running, lifting weights, or playing bingo.
Contact Alvaro at alvaro.alvarez@newtonymca.org at (641) 792-4006
I am passionate about sports (especially soccer and skiing) and fitness. I like to try new ways of training and I am always up for a new challenge so if you know of anything that I should try, stop by, and tell me about it. When I am not at work, you can find me playing sports, running, lifting weights, or playing bingo.
Contact Alvaro at alvaro.alvarez@newtonymca.org at (641) 792-4006
Deb Greif - Marketing & Special Events Director
Hi, I’m Deb Greif, Marketing and Special Events Director at the Newton YMCA. I reside in Newton with my husband, Trevin and our children, Amelia (2 years old) and Jack (10 months old). We moved to Newton in 2019 and are enjoying the town and community.
I am originally from Hereford, England and moved to the United States in 2009 to attend Grand View University in Des Moines, IA on a soccer scholarship. I graduated with a Health Promotions degree. After graduation, I became the graduate assistant soccer coach for the women’s soccer team at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. I graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration and accepted an assistant coach position for the Grand View Women’s Soccer team. Alongside coaching, I completed a Sport Management Masters.
After my daughter was born, I began coaching soccer again at Altoona Soccer Club and accepted the Director of Soccer Operations position in 2020, which has given me valuable experience with marketing and youth sports. I am excited to be a part of the Newton YMCA team!
Contact Deb at deb.greif@newtonymca.org at (641) 792-4006
I am originally from Hereford, England and moved to the United States in 2009 to attend Grand View University in Des Moines, IA on a soccer scholarship. I graduated with a Health Promotions degree. After graduation, I became the graduate assistant soccer coach for the women’s soccer team at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. I graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration and accepted an assistant coach position for the Grand View Women’s Soccer team. Alongside coaching, I completed a Sport Management Masters.
After my daughter was born, I began coaching soccer again at Altoona Soccer Club and accepted the Director of Soccer Operations position in 2020, which has given me valuable experience with marketing and youth sports. I am excited to be a part of the Newton YMCA team!
Contact Deb at deb.greif@newtonymca.org at (641) 792-4006