[CHARLOTTE, NC:  OCTOBER 31, 2017] – The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has announced a new name for its Matthews-area branch following the unanimous decision of its board of directors.  

Known as the Siskey YMCA since 1996, the Y announced Tuesday it will honor its former president, the late Harry Brace, his wife Jean and their family by naming the branch the Brace Family YMCA.
 
 Harry Brace became president of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte in 1983. He was a quiet but effective leader known for assembling teams of staff and volunteers who demonstrated the Christian principles of the Y, while also supporting inclusiveness. Under his leadership, the Charlotte YMCA became one of the most successful Y associations in North America. Membership grew from 46,000 in 1983 to more than 106,000 in six years. Brace died unexpectedly in 1999. Jean Brace and the couple’s children remain actively involved in the Y and take part in the selection of the Harry Brace Servant Leadership Award that recognizes emerging staff leaders each year.
 
“Together, Harry and Jean exemplified the Y’s core values – caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith,” said YMCA of Greater Charlotte CEO Todd Tibbits. “The Braces have always been about improving the quality of life for everyone in our community. It is so fitting that this Y will carry their name and represent their legacy for generations to come.”
 
The Brace Family will be celebrated at a private dedication event at a later date.

About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
 The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, comprised of 19 membership locations and two overnight camps, engages approximately 274,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for 143 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.