The Courier-Journal
Wednesday, February 6, 2002

Backers say new director of Harrison "Y" a rare find

John Evans is to earn $52,000 this year as the head of Harrison County's fledgling YMCA -- less than he could make practicing law.

Don't anoint him a martyr, though.

''It's not sacrificing to go from doing something I enjoy doing to something I love doing,'' he said.

Catherine Turcotte, the president of the Y's board, thinks Evans is worth every penny. But she worries about what some in the community may think about his salary, and she doesn't want to make an issue of it.

A year from now -- a pivotal year for the YMCA in Harrison County, which Evans will guide from wish to reality -- Evans' value should be indisputable.

For now, though, Turcotte prefers to promote the programs and activities that the YMCA will offer, several probably even before the group breaks ground this summer on a $4 million facility for which it still must find funds.

Evans -- who has been on the job as executive director for only about two months -- has interviewed architects and finalized the Y's receipt of a 15-acre gift for its location. One recent day he was on three phones at once.

Every day, already, Evans proves himself a bargain that his volunteer boss need not shy from defending.

''Why would I not want to?'' Evans said, responding to the predictable question about his having left a promising, prosperous career of a decade. ''I'm feeling like I'm getting all the benefits.''

Evans is 35, a native of Florida who moved to Louisville to be a lawyer and then to Harrison County to be a husband (his wife is Beth) and a father (his 3-year-old child is Megan).

Inspired by faith to help, pointed toward the public good by what he calls his personal mission statement, Evans enrolled in Leadership Harrison County. That challenge eventually linked him with Turcotte and others who were organizing to open a YMCA or something similar.

Evans became one of the 21 YMCA board members who last year raised -- from more than 1,000 locals -- an astounding $300,000 in 11 weeks. That enabled the group to qualify for a funds match from the Caesars-rich Community Foundation of Harrison County.

Half of the total accumulated is earmarked for early on costs -- Evans' salary among them -- and half has been set aside to pay for memberships and fees for the needy and for swim lessons for every county third-grader.

No elitist operation would aim to serve so broadly -- yet these Y planners had to fend off such a silly accusation in its first fund drive.

They likewise stand ready, and able, to explain how they chose one of their own to be executive director. Evans endured the same scrutiny as the other roughly three dozen applicants. What he lacked in YMCA experience he made up for in principle and devotion.

Turcotte sensed in Evans a calling, given that he was willing to risk this change in professions.

''We did not want it to look like this had been all set up,'' Turcotte said. ''Far from it. We also decided that if we got somebody this good, it would be awesome.''

Evans said he sought only a chance, not an advantage. And he has heard nothing but encouragement, apparent evidence of the community's confidence in the hiring process.

For without the community, the YMCA would still sputter. However much Harrison County needs a Y, it must also want one. If Turcotte and her cohorts err on the side of sensitivity -- fearful of how Evans' pay is perceived, for instance -- it is because the project is not yet a done deal.

It requires major donors and grants, of course, along with still more members and participants. Evans and Turcotte are hopeful, though, and they feel divinely guided. For openers, last summer's fund-drive success and the diligence of the group's board surely reflect Harrison County's desire for a Y. Plus, the Y's leaders are convinced of steady steering from above.

So their frustration is fleeting, and only occasional. Turcotte backs up her research, planning and heartfelt YMCA promotion with prayer.

''They are positive, encouraging, compatible people,'' Turcotte said of the board of directors. ''Again, I don't think that's any accident. It's not really an option. That's really how I feel about this. If I didn't do this, I wouldn't be doing what I'm supposed to be doing. And then I'd feel really crummy.''

The YMCA is to include two indoor pools (one for therapy), a large gymnasium and space for aerobics, weight training, lockers and meetings. It is to open in the fall of 2003, on land donated by businessman Dennis Jenkins about a half-mile north of downtown Corydon.

The group has an office -- furnished with donations -- on Walnut Street in Corydon. Its phone number is (812) 734-0770.