It is a great day at the Durham YMCAs! That’s the familiar greeting you hear when you walk into a Durham YMCA facility.
There's plenty to celebrate in the Bull City these days. A new Downtown Durham YMCA is on the horizon at the corner of W. Pettigrew and Blackwell Streets on the American Tobacco Campus. We're also excited to introduce Kinard Barnett as the new Branch Executive Director of the Durham YMCAs.
Building Community as a Career
Kinard’s career reflects a consistent commitment to connecting people and building community.
His professional journey began after graduating from Montreat College with a degree in sports management. As an athletic director and P.E. teacher in rural Western North Carolina, he broadened access to sports and recreation, securing partnerships that led to the construction of a new community athletic center.
Kinard served as the Associate Branch Executive Director at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA, where he has played a key role since its opening in 2019. During his tenure, Kinard demonstrated a deep commitment to serving neighbors, fostering inclusive partnerships and building strong community connections. His background also includes roles at the Charlotte and Houston YMCAs.
On September 15, Kinard stepped into the role of branch executive director of the Durham YMCAs.
"I'm excited to support the vibrant city of Durham in reaching new peaks of health and well-being as the Executive Director of its YMCAs," said Kinard. "It's an honor to bring my experience nurturing diverse communities to the Bull City."
Outside of work, Kinard enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, two children and their dog, Biscuit.
Join us in welcoming Kinard. It truly is a great day at the Durham YMCAs!
