Y LEADER RIDE

The inspiration for Together We Ride came from the desire of a handful of Y Leaders to keep active and promote an active lifestyle for all people. They are living the Y cause. In these difficult times, it is more important than ever that every one in our community find connection, inspiration, and motivate to be their best selves. 

Together We Ride is about maintaining physical activity throughout your lifetime and starting where you are. But it’s also about the work and mission of the Y. When there is a Y in your community it means there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.  Everything we do is focused on strengthening, not only the body, but also the mind and spirit.  We believe that by working together everyone can thrive.   

We cannot do this work alone.  The Y depends on the support and generosity of our communities to ensure everything the Y offers, from health and wellness, to Early Childhood Education, to food service, and afterschool enrichment, is accessible for all our neighbors.  That’s why the proceeds of this event will be used to provide program and membership scholarships to all who require assistance.  

Nick Hansen

is the CEO of the Itasca County Family YMCA in Grand Rapids Minnesota.  Previously he was the Executive Director for the Alliance Family YMCA a branch of the YMCA of Central Stark County based in Canton, Ohio, 2014-2017.   The majority of Nick’s career has been with YMCAs in Wisconsin, including the Woodson YMCA based in Wausau as their Sr. Aquatics Director, 2004-2014, and the Stevens Point Area YMCA where he started his Y career in 2001 as a Head Swim Team Coach. 

In his spare time Nick has enjoyed participation in endurance activities for more than 15 years.   Nick has completed of 7 Ironman Triathlons (2.4 miles swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) with a best time of 9:53.  He also has finished more than 40 ultra-trail marathons of distances ranging from 50K to 100 miles, in 25 different states. 

Chris Stenberg

Currently Chris serves as the CEO of the Superior Douglas County Family YMCA. Prior to his hiring in 2017 Stenberg spent 3 years with the Superior Amateur Hockey Association as the Executive Director as well as 14 years as a small business owner and operator. A Superior native, Stenberg has strong ties to Douglas County and a passion for community involvement. Prior to his role as CEO of the YMCA Stenberg served 7 years on the YMCA board, serving as CVO as well as on the finance and executive committees. He attended Superior High School and graduated with honors from UW-Superior with a Bachelor of Science degree and a minor in cultural studies. Stenberg lives in Superior with his wife of 21 years Terra, son Mason (17), and daughter Maggie (14) where he loves being close to family, friends, and the great outdoors.

 

 

Jeramy Katchuba

Jeramy currently serves as the District Vice President of the Duluth Area Family YMCA.  His first connection with the YMCA was as a volunteer with the Mentor Duluth program.  He has spent most of his career at the Duluth Area Family YMCA in the roles of Mentor Duluth Program Advocate, Five Points Advocate, Senior Program Director, Branch Executive Director, and transitioned to his current role in 2019. 

When Jeramy is not at the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife of 21 years Gina, son Tui (10), and daughter Pia (7).  He has competed in marathons, half-marathons, Tri-Athlons, and still plays rugby as much as the body will allow.  He has also coached the UMD Rugby Football Club since 1999 and helped guide them to four national championships during his tenure. 

Sara Cole

Sara is proud to be the President & CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA where she leads an innovative group of change agents to offer programs and services to communities across Northern Minnesota as well as to more than 100 YMCAs throughout a region of 8 Midwestern and Mountain states.  Sara began her Y career in the Community Services branch of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, and then served as the Senior Vice President of Program Development & Innovation at the YMCA of Greater Rochester in New York.  Sara is deeply committed to the furthering the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is proud to work with YMCAs across the state, and nationally, to improve program services for all people. 

Sara is mostly a weight lifter, but is also an occasional runner, walker, and bike rider.  She loves exploring Northland with her husband, Andrew, and their feisty pug, Dracula.