Wilkes Family YMCA Welcomes Nathaniel Morefield as Executive Director
WILKESBORO, N.C. — The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is pleased to announce Nathaniel Morefield as the new Executive Director of the Wilkes Family YMCA and Wilkes Express YMCA. Morefield brings a decade of nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
"We're excited to welcome Nathaniel back to the YMCA family,” said Joe Peele, Vice President of Operations. “His passion for serving the Wilkes community, combined with his proven leadership and commitment to our mission, make him the ideal person to lead the Wilkes Family and Express YMCAs. I look forward to seeing the positive impact he'll make on our members, staff and the community."
Morefield returns to the YMCA after serving the association for more than six years, where he held leadership roles supporting the Youth Development and Aquatics departments. During his previous tenure with the Y, he became a familiar face throughout Wilkes County by volunteering as a youth coach and mentor through programs including T-Ball, Little Dribblers, Kids on the Run, Bright Beginnings, Let Me Run through Communities in Schools, the Lunch Buddy program through Wilkes County Schools and the Mobile Fresh Market through the Health Foundation. His service reflects a longstanding commitment to investing in children, families and the broader community.
Most recently, Morefield served as Senior Manager with the Alzheimer's Association, where he led community engagement, volunteer development and fundraising efforts across Western North Carolina. In that role, he cultivated strategic partnerships and mobilized volunteers and community leaders to advance the organization's mission and expand its impact.
"Nathaniel understands what makes the YMCA such a special place because he's lived our mission and built meaningful relationships throughout the Wilkes community,” said Donna Rodgers, interim CEO. “His experience, passion and collaborative leadership style position him to build on the strong foundation already in place and lead the Wilkes Family and Wilkes Express YMCAs into their next chapter."
As Executive Director, Morefield will oversee operations, membership, programs, staff development, community partnerships and philanthropic efforts for both the Wilkes Family YMCA and Wilkes Express YMCA.
"I am honored to return to the YMCA and continue to serve the Wilkes community in this new role," said Morefield. "The YMCA has always been a place where people of all ages can find belonging, build meaningful relationships and reach their full potential. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, members and community partners to continue strengthening our impact and ensuring the Y remains a welcoming place for everyone."
Morefield will begin his role on August 3, 2026.
About the Wilkes Family YMCA
The Wilkes Family YMCA is active in the local community, and offers a wide range of programs for the whole family — including swim lessons, after school care, boot camps, personal training, and youth sports. The Y includes a comprehensive Wellness Center with on-duty staff, group exercise programs, and SilverSneakers® classes. The Y is dedicated to social responsibility and healthy living with efforts such as LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and Moving for Better Balance.
About the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina
When the first YMCA was established in 1844 in London, England, its mission was to promote positive Christian values and healthy behaviors and activities. Today, the YMCA movement has spread to 124 countries around the world, supporting and influencing the lives of 21 million men, women and children of all backgrounds. Our local YMCA association has been serving Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas since 1888. We have created a tradition of enhancing the lives of people in our community through an ever-growing list of programs and opportunities. Learn more at ymcanwnc.org.