John Barber, who was recently appointed Jamestown Area YMCA vice president of operations, presents an award from Y-USA to Mark Eckendorf, former YMCA executive director. Submitted photo

The Jamestown Area YMCA has appointed John Barber as vice president of operations as part of a management agreement with YMCA Buffalo Niagara.

Barber was appointed to his role to provide direct oversight of all Jamestown area locations including the Jamestown YMCA, Lakewood YMCA, Eastside YMCA, Camp Onyahsa, and the Heritage Child Care Center.

Barber steps into this new role with 15 years of experience providing leadership with the Jamestown Y. In 2007 he began as director of the Teen Center, but his roles have expanded over the years to also include oversight of Eastside YMCA programs and Fourth Street Housing, which provides housing for people with physical disabilities. During his time with the YMCA, Barber spearheaded the organization of a community-based travel sports league for non-varsity teens, launched a summer learning loss program, expanded Latino access to after-school programming, and led the ten-fold expansion of USDA at-risk meal programs.

A Chautauqua County native, Barber is a 1995 graduate of Cassadaga Valley. He holds a B.A. from Grove City College and a masters of divinity from the Reformed Theological Seminary. He lives in Frewsburg with his wife Heather and three children. In addition to his role with the Jamestown YMCA, Barber also serves as a Carroll Town Board member and as board treasurer for the UCAN City Mission.

In May the Jamestown YMCA Board of Directors entered into a management agreement with the YMCA Buffalo Niagara. John Ehrbar, YMCA Buffalo Niagara president/CEO serves as the official CEO of the Jamestown YMCA throughout the term of the management agreement. Ehrbar replaced the now-retired Jamestown Area YMCA CEO Mark Eckendorf, who spent 36 years in executive leadership at the Jamestown YMCA.

“I have learned a lot watching and working for Mark and I’m honored to be stepping into this new role alongside our great staff team and amazing members as we enter a new era for the Jamestown Area Y,” Barber said. “I’m proud to do all I can to support the Y’s mission – positively impacting children and adults living in and around the Jamestown area.”

Barber recently presented Eckendorf with an award from Y-USA recognizing him for his 44-year YMCA career.