Getting to know the Cook County YMNCA Interim Director

The Cook County YMCA is in a time of leadership transition. As the organization searches for a new director for the branch, they tapped Alex Gugala of the Duluth YMCA to serve as interim director.

Gugala told WTIP that he has a history with the YMCA, after first working with the organization as a student. He served as the senior aquatics director in Duluth before spending a year on a military deployment. Upon his return, the Y asked him to help with the transition at the Cook County branch.

While Gugala is not in the role permanently, he said that he still hopes to be able to make a difference. He said, “I know that I can’t make huge impacts. But the little impacts that I can make, I think will add up.”

As the seach for a permanent director continues, Gugala said that he’s been enjoying his time in Cook County. He said, “I think that there is something special about this community and I’m already feeling it.”

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with Cook County YMCA Interim Director Alex Gugala. Audio of that interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski May 4, 2024