Getting to Know...Cam'ela Bisch, Hanover Area YMCA

It's time to for another edition of "Getting to Know..." This week's edition features Cam'ela (Cami) Bisch! Cami is the new CEO of the Hanover Area YMCA. Let's meet Cami!

A little background... As an executive director at various branches with the Gateway Region YMCA in St. Louis, MO, Cami led with a growth mindset, 
​embracing change, challenges and opportunities to develop and guide staff. Under her 15 years of leadership in the greater Saint Louis (STL) region, the Y experienced tremendous growth in philanthropic efforts, community partnerships, membership/program innovation, revenue growth and resource mobilization. Aside from serving as an executive director at multiple branches, she assumed leadership positions on several committees within the STL YMCA association, for the YMCA of the USA and within the communities she served.  Cami was passionate about leading the association’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Committee initiatives because she believes an association is stronger when they are inclusive. However, nothing has compared to her experience of coaching/leading staff personally and professionally throughout her career.

What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
I was a YMCA kid and had first-hand experience of the benefits that YMCA had to offer! I learned how to swim and play sports at my hometown YMCA in Springfield, Illinois. When I moved to STL for graduate school, I was looking for a part-time job and noticed an opening at a YMCA near where I was living. I love kids, sports, leading people and giving back to the community, therefore, it was a perfect fit for me. The Y shaped me into the person I am today!  

What is your favorite part of your workday?
Hearing how the Y has helped enhance or change someone’s life. Perhaps they came to the Y to become healthier, meet a friend or just belong! It is wonderful to hear why people join the Y and how grateful they are to belong to a place that serves everyone in the community!

What is the career highlight you are most proud of?
When I was at the YMCA in sTL, I was often known as the fixer. I would be asked to go [from] one Y to another to help rebuild a team, generate more revenue, change culture etc. My biggest highlight would be seeing those YMCA’s go on to win the YMCA of the Year award after I left. I love seeing teams working together for the greater good of their YMCA and community.

What reality show would you want to be on and why?
I have always wanted to be on the Price is Right with Bob Barker! Who doesn’t want to be in the Showcase Showdown!?!

What is your favorite movie?
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

What is the best food you have ever eaten?
Indian food in Pembroke, Wales. We were vacationing after attending the 175th Anniversary of the YMCA on London. Seriously, the best meal we have ever had hands down!

If you had a month off to travel anywhere you desire, where would you go?
​We would rent a boat and head towards the Maldives and other various islands!