Stonebraker begins as fitness center director

The Adair County Health and Fitness Center was pleased to announce Ryan Stonebraker as its new executive director recently.

Stonebraker was in attendance at Thursday, Aug. 4′s Greenfield City Park Market, where the fitness center had several activities going for attendees to try out. He’s very excited to hit the ground running.

“I think it’s silly to drive to work. For the last 20 years I’ve worked in the town I’ve lived in, and that’s what I like,” Stonebraker said. “This fitness center is tremendous for the town. There’s so many people who come in here not just for the activity, but for the social part, too. It’s almost as if they’re interchangeable. I think that’s tremendous. I see value here.”

Stonebraker’s position fills in the roles of split positions formerly fulfilled by Julie Cooper and Jennifer Kuster.

Kuster will be employed as a teacher at the school this fall. Cooper will remain with the fitness center helping in background financial roles.

Stonebraker said both have given him a warm welcome and helped him learn the ropes in the early days of his new position.

“Both of them have been tremendous. I’ve worked more with Julie due to the programming stuff, but they’ve both been tremendous. Everyone knows Julie and that a smile is waiting for them here,” Stonebraker said. “We’re very blessed she’s still on helping me get up and going. There’s no better way to come into a situation. Not everyone gets that chance.”

Stonebraker is looking at various new programming to eventually implement at the fitness center. At the top of that list is pickle ball. Other ideas are eSports tand after school or healthcare education opportunities for all ages.

“It’s kind of a ‘hurry up and wait’ feeling because we’re kind of in that down time in the rhythm of the school year,” Stonebraker said. “It’s exciting to have an impact on people’s health indirectly, giving them options. You have to try, and if you don’t, you’re spinning your wheels. I want to live and work in the same town, and I’m hoping to spread that thinking.”

A former sports editor in the newspaper world, Stonebraker held posts at Knoxville and Pella before spending the longest time in Tipton, covering sports there. His wife, Melinda, became the pastor of Greenfield United Methodist Church in July 2020, and Ryan and their two daughters Zoe and Leah moved here a year later.