Meet the YMCA of Greenville’s New CEO and President, Sam Franklin
September 5, 2024
Sam Franklin Stepping into Leadership Role
Starting September 28, Sam Franklin, a man people in the YMCA would call a ‘Y-Lifer” thanks to his 33-year history with the YMCA organization, will step in as the eighth CEO and president of the YMCA of Greenville. Franklin’s deeply entrenched history with the YMCA began as a humble summer internship back in 1991 and blossomed into decades of dedicated service spanning branches in Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Carolinas.
Speaking of his long-standing relationship with the YMCA, Franklin says, “The longevity of my career, it’s more like a calling to serve people, to serve the kids and the families and the communities that really need the programs and services that we offer.”
Filling Big Shoes
Franklin will fill the role left by the longtime CEO, Scot Baddley, who announced his retirement in July of this year. Franklin has previously worked as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for the YMCA of Greenville. He states, “I am very honored and humbled to be the next CEO.”
A Wealth of Experience
Throughout his professional career, Franklin has held multiple roles within the YMCA organization, ranging from a program director to vice president of operations. His time spent in these varied positions has highlighted the importance of staff development and the far-reaching impact the YMCA can have on people within the organization.
Franklin asserts, “I’ve learned a lot… every opportunity that I’ve had in the Y, I’ve worked for some really great people, and I’ve been blessed to be able to learn and grow from just great leadership in my time.”
Bright Future for YMCA of Greenville
As the incoming CEO and President, Franklin sees many exciting opportunities on the horizon for the YMCA of Greenville. Among his initial goals as CEO is the focus on continued facility enhancements, acknowledging that structural improvements are currently underway at the Prisma Health Family YMCA. Franklin is also considering the potential relocation of the Verdae YMCA to accommodate the growing population.
A Proven Educational Background and Record of Success
Franklin earned his degree in marketing and public relations at Middle Tennessee State University in 1991, with a minor in English. His professional career at the YMCA has seen him holding key roles ranging from a communications assistant at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee in Nashville to executive vice president and chief operating officer at the YMCA of Greenville.
The YMCA of Greenville looks set to welcome and prosper under the new leadership of Sam Franklin, carrying both its strong community-based traditions and enterprising initiatives into the future.
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
