YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina welcomes experienced leaders to association board

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Association Board of Directors: John Jewell, Dr. Wesley Johnson, Henry Singletary, and Shelley Thomas. Each brings a unique blend of professional leadership, community involvement, and a strong connection to the YMCA’s mission.

John Jewell, Director of Advanced Manufacturing Technology at Corning, Inc., has been connected to the YMCA for most of his life. From his early years on a YMCA swim team in Elmira, New York, to decades of membership in multiple locations, including Wilmington since 1999, Jewell has remained deeply engaged. He currently serves as a board member at-large for Waves of Wilmington and contributes to several NC swimming committees, including the Governance Committee and Officials Committee, where he leads the Training Task Force.

Dr. Wesley Johnson, Superintendent of Clinton City Schools, was formally introduced to the YMCA through the development of a Health and Wellness Center in Sampson County. As a founding board member of the Sampson County YMCA, and current Sampson County Advisory Board Chair, he has played an important role in expanding access to YMCA programs in his community. Johnson is also actively involved with the United Way of Sampson County, Rotary Club of Clinton-Sampson, and America 250 of Sampson County.

Henry Singletary, a retired NetJets Captain, is a lifelong member of the Wilmington YMCA, with involvement dating back to the late 1960s. A former youth swim team participant, he has remained active as an adult through the YMCA Masters swim program, competing at national and international levels. Singletary continues to support the YMCA through volunteer efforts, including the Second Grade Swim Initiative, and is also involved with the Experimental Aircraft Association, introducing youth to aviation.

Shelley Thomas, Communities & Connections Coordinator at Christ Community Church, first engaged with the YMCA through her Master of Public Health internship, where she helped deliver after-school health and physical education programming for local elementary students. Her experience reinforced her commitment to the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community through accessible programs. Thomas currently serves on the Nir Family Advisory Board as Chair and is an active member of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina Association Board.

“We are excited to welcome these outstanding leaders to our Association Board,” said Dick Jones, President and CEO, YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. “Their experience, passion, and commitment to community will help guide our organization as we continue to expand our impact across southeastern North Carolina.”

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina’s Association Board of Directors plays a critical role in providing strategic leadership, governance, and advocacy to advance the organization’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.