Newton YMCA
  • NEWTON YMCA
  • WHO WE ARE
    • About the Y >
      • Past, Present & Future
    • YMCA Leadership
    • My Account
    • Work at the Y
  • PROGRAMS
    • Register Now
    • Sports & Recreation >
      • Gym Schedule
      • Adult >
        • Adult Basketball
        • Pickleball
      • Youth >
        • Soccer
        • Flag Football
        • Gymnastics
        • T-Ball Skills
    • Aquatics >
      • Pool Schedule
      • Pirate Pool Party!
      • Penguins Swim Team
      • Group Swim Lessons
      • Private Swim Lessons
      • Safety Around Water
      • Adaptive Aquatics
    • Health and Well-being >
      • Group Fitness Classes
      • Personal Training
      • Training Facilities
      • Women on Weights
    • Community & Events >
      • Parents Night Out
  • Membership
    • Manage Membership
    • Member Referral Program
    • Child Watch
    • Mobile App
    • Membership Procedures
  • Child Care
    • My Account
    • Online Account Set Up
    • Full Day Care
    • Voluntary Preschool Program
    • Before & After School Care
    • Summer Camp
  • Support the Y
    • Donate
    • Annual Campaign 2025
    • Legacy Giving >
      • Manatt Endowment Gift
      • Geisler Penquite Endowment
      • Shaw Endowment
      • Helen Diehl Trust
      • John Mellinger Fund
    • Business Supporters
    • Volunteer At The Y
  • NEWTON YMCA
  • WHO WE ARE
    • About the Y >
      • Past, Present & Future
    • YMCA Leadership
    • My Account
    • Work at the Y
  • PROGRAMS
    • Register Now
    • Sports & Recreation >
      • Gym Schedule
      • Adult >
        • Adult Basketball
        • Pickleball
      • Youth >
        • Soccer
        • Flag Football
        • Gymnastics
        • T-Ball Skills
    • Aquatics >
      • Pool Schedule
      • Pirate Pool Party!
      • Penguins Swim Team
      • Group Swim Lessons
      • Private Swim Lessons
      • Safety Around Water
      • Adaptive Aquatics
    • Health and Well-being >
      • Group Fitness Classes
      • Personal Training
      • Training Facilities
      • Women on Weights
    • Community & Events >
      • Parents Night Out
  • Membership
    • Manage Membership
    • Member Referral Program
    • Child Watch
    • Mobile App
    • Membership Procedures
  • Child Care
    • My Account
    • Online Account Set Up
    • Full Day Care
    • Voluntary Preschool Program
    • Before & After School Care
    • Summer Camp
  • Support the Y
    • Donate
    • Annual Campaign 2025
    • Legacy Giving >
      • Manatt Endowment Gift
      • Geisler Penquite Endowment
      • Shaw Endowment
      • Helen Diehl Trust
      • John Mellinger Fund
    • Business Supporters
    • Volunteer At The Y

Meet the Newton YMCA Leadership Team

George Sorensen  |  CEO

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Hi, I’m George Sorensen, the Chief Executive Officer at the Newton YMCA. Before moving to Iowa, I made significant contributions at the Greater Wichita YMCA, where I worked since August 2019. During my nine and a half years in Wichita, I played a vital role in overseeing the completion and opening of the Steve Clark YMCA, located on the campus of Wichita State University, and most recently managed the daily operations of the East Y branch. Prior to my return to the YMCA, I successfully led the construction and management of Wichita’s Opti-Life Vitality Club & Spa.

My professional journey also includes working at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, where I focused on employee wellness initiatives, now part of AdventHealth. With over 20 years of YMCA experience in various roles, I proudly served as Executive Director for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA in the under-served North Brandon community of Seffner, Florida, as well as a Branch Director within the First Coast YMCA in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, I have experience in sports information and media relations at Jacksonville University.

Born in upstate New York and raised in Neptune Beach, Florida, I graduated from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. I am married to Ashley and am the proud father of two children, Alexis and Blake.

Contact George at [email protected] or (641)-792-4006

Andy Karr  |  Finance & HR Director

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Hi, I’m Andy Karr, Finance and HR Director at the Newton YMCA. I've worked at the Newton YMCA for 12 years, mostly in these roles. I love working at the YMCA and being part of an organization that can have such a positive impact on our community. I've lived in Newton since 2004 and this wonderful community has become home for me, my wife Amanda and our daughter Amelia.

I’m a big sports fan and I root for the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Wild and Wolves. I love to read, everything from Cormac McCarthy novels to stuff about cool theoretical physics, most of which I don’t really understand.  I enjoy teaching our Lego STEM camps at the YMCA and I like to unwind with a craft beer at our local brewery or by playing catch or tennis with my daughter. 

Contact Andy at [email protected] or by calling (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 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 [email protected] or by calling (641) 792-4006
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Erick Zehr  |  Director of Operations & Marketing

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 [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006
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Scott Taylor  |  Adult & Youth Sports Director

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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 Cubs 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006
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Tiffany Karr  |  Membership Experience Director

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​Hi! I’m Tiffany Karr, Membership Experience Director here at the Newton YMCA. I’m a Newton native but also grew up in Melbourne, FL before moving back home with my family in 2013. 

My boyfriend Terrance and I share 5 kiddos. In our free time we watch a mix of NBA and NFL games and are always trying new places and exploring Des Moines. You can catch me with a good book in my hands (Freida McFadden & Riley Sager) & probably a good coffee as well.
 
I initially started at the YMCA in 2022 as a Membership Specialist, later moving up to Membership Coordinator and now Director.  As a kid, I attended the YCC childcare and came to the Newton Y frequently, so this is a full circle moment for me, seeing how the facility has changed and grown over the years.

​I’ve had the opportunity to connect with the community and get to know majority of our members on a first name basis. I love being in a role where I get to create fun, positive experiences for anyone who walks into the Y. I can’t wait to keep making more memories here!

Contact Tiffany at [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006.

Kaylee Franke  |  Aquatics Director

Hi, I’m Kaylee Franke, Aquatics Director at the Newton YMCA! 

Contact Kaylee at 
[email protected] or call (641) 792-4006
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Sarah Pittman  |  Fitness & Events Coordinator

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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 [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006 
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Lucas Hughes  |  Development Director

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​ 
Contact [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006

Newton YMCA Board of Directors

The Newton YMCA is a non-profit community service organization which has no private owners or stockholders. The Y is governed by a board of community volunteers who represent the Y’s service area.
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TROY GARTON | PRESIDENT
SHAD MARVELLI | VICE PRESIDENT
KATIE RABEDEAUX | SECRETARY
GARY MARTIN | TREASURER

2025 BOARD MEMBERS​
Christina Anderson
Barb Barr
Troy Garton
​Keirstin Heitman
Andrea Jansen
Chad Kelley
Gary Martin
Shad Marvelli
​Cameron McGinley
Tom Messinger


​​Katie Rabedeaux
​Sarah Patterson
Clayton Whipple
Nick Williams
Chris Barton

Newton YMCA
​

1701 S 8th Ave E


​Newton, IA 50208


​P: 641-792-4006    F: 641-791-3355
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© Newton YMCA     www.newtonymca.org


Hours of Operation


​Mon-Thu: 5:00A-9:00P


Fri: 5:00A-8:00P


Saturday: 6:00A-6:00P


Sunday: 1:00P-5:00P