Eagan YMCA's New Director Has Local Credentials

Editor's note: The following is a press release from the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities.

The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities has selected Mike Lavin as director of the YMCA in Eagan.  No stranger to the Eagan community, Lavin spent the first 10 years of his career at the Eagan Y before moving on to leadership assignments with various YMCA programs.  Six years ago, Lavin became responsible for the Hastings area where he created community interest, funding and programming for the community’s first YMCA.

“We are pleased to have such an experienced and dedicated YMCA leader to direct the Eagan Y,” said Glen Gunderson, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities. “This significant community needs a stable, established leader who knows how to bring the best of the Y to Eagan.”

“It is like coming home to be back at the Eagan Y,” said Lavin.  “I remember the building when we only had a dirt floor.”  Lavin is reintroducing himself to some parents and kids he served while he was expanding the ISD 196 School Age Childcare Services program from 9 to 14 locations.  Currently the program serves 1600 students per day.  Lavin also developed sports camps in Eagan and created youth sports leagues in Hastings, attracting over 700 youth annually.  He sees potential for youth teams at the Eagan Y.

An Open House is planned for May 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. to introduce Lavin to the Eagan community.

Lavin also brings his fundraising skills to the Eagan Y.  He successfully led a $4.5 million dollar capital campaign to establish the Hastings YMCA, which involved recruiting 75 volunteer campaigners and establishing a community board of directors. The Eagan Y has a $100,000 annual giving campaign to raise scholarships for families who need assistance in paying for childcare, swimming lessons and day camp experiences.  Lavin is determined to make each campaign successful.

Lavin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Speech Communications from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he graduated with honors.  He has served on a number of community boards that relate to youth obesity and youth sports.  Most recently he served on the Hastings Chamber Board of Directors and the Hastings Baseball Board.  Lavin and his wife, Laurie have two children, McKinley and William who participate in a variety of Y programs including childcare, youth sports and summer programming.