WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Luke Harris, the Executive Director at the Davie family YMCA has earned the Christian Emphasis Award from YMCA-USA at the annual YMCA Professional Network Conference.
The award recognizes an individual for their outstanding commitment and dedication to strengthening the YMCA's mission of helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.
Harris has been running the Davie Y for seven years. Prior to that he served as a program director at the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA for six years.
In addition to being a devoted mentor and a passionate advocate, Harris has dedicated countless hours and effort to uplifting the “C” in YMCA. For several years, he has faithfully served as the Director of the Christian Leadership Conference (CLC), and before that, played a pivotal role in growing and shaping the annual event.
Recognizing the YMCA’s unique position as a faith-based organization, Harris saw an opportunity to be more intentional in living out the YMCA mission. He pioneered a volunteer chaplaincy program within the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina Association, empowering chaplains to demonstrate the love of Jesus by serving, encouraging, and caring for YMCA staff, members, and guests.
Year after year, Harris continues to invest his time and heart into ensuring that the YMCA offers meaningful opportunities for members, staff, partners, and the wider community to grow in their faith journey. He is helping the Y truly live out its mission to nurture the whole person—spirit, mind, and body.
The YMCA Professional Network (YPN) is a vast professional development network that all YMCA staff are part of. YPN gives Y staff the chance to benefit from increased peer-to-peer learning opportunities, strengthened leadership and professional development, and expanded networking opportunities.
Founded in 1871 (under the name Association of General Secretaries), YPN is a place where individuals in the Y Movement can connect with one another on a personal level and share their experiences, challenges, and successes in an inclusive, supportive atmosphere.