New director hired at Southern Prairie YMCA

A new executive director has been named at Southern Prairie YMCA in Creston.

Keith Worland of Decatur, Illinois, accepted the position late Thursday afternoon. He’s served as youth and family director at Decatur YMCA in Illinois since 2008. He oversaw four departments there with 40-plus employees and three budgets totaling more than $700,000.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education and development from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri.

“Keith is enthusiastic about the opportunity to make the Southern Prairie YMCA the very best,” said Christopher Eaton, president of the Southern Prairie YMCA board. “He is also looking forward to working with volunteers and staff to assure a strong Y for future generations.”

Worland has a wife Katie and daughter Isabel. He and his wife are also licensed foster parents in Illinois and plan to continue their license once settled in Creston. Worland’s first day on the job in Creston will be Feb. 1.