WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is proud to recognize Executive Director Kenneth Pettigrew as one of Greater Winston-Salem Inc.’s Under 40 honorees.
Each year, these awards honor 25 remarkable young professionals who are shaping Winston-Salem’s future through their leadership, career achievements, and community impact.
Pettigrew is the Executive Director of the YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake, formerly the Winston Lake Family YMCA. With the building closed for almost a full calendar year for renovations, Pettigrew kept the community connected to each other and to the Y in other ways. In addition to his work at the Y, he is also the minister at St. Philips Moravian Church in Old Salem.
“We are thrilled that Ken is being recognized for his leadership in our community. His perspective and passion have driven the success of the YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake, helping us transform the lives of children and families in East Winston,” noted Darryl Head, president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina.
The REACH Center is pivotal to helping this community thrive, and Ken’s leadership there is fundamental to helping our neighbors, young and old, embrace new experiences and develop their full potential.”
Prior to joining the YMCA, Pettigrew served as Chief Operating Officer of the Winston-Salem Urban League. Earlier in his career, he served as Coordinator of Faith-Based Community Engagement and provided leadership for the Place Matters Initiative at the United Way of Forsyth County. Pettigrew earned the Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University in 2016 and is pursuing the Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary.
Additionally, YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake board member Dr. Christopher Hinton was also named to the list. In addition to serving on the REACH Center board, Hinton is the Chief Operating Officer at The Academy Network of Winston-Salem.
The 2025 Greater Winston Salem Inc.’s Under 40 honorees reflect the energy and innovation that define the city. Representing a wide range of industries from business and education to healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social advocacy, these leaders are making meaningful contributions that strengthen both their professions and the community. Their dedication to career and community causes exemplifies the spirit of what it means to lead in Winston-Salem.