Briefs: YMCA program director makes 30 under 30 list

Gunnar Madison, Senior Program Director at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, has been named to the YMCA of the USA’s “30 Under 30” list of accomplished YMCA leaders.  Madison made the list after beating out hundreds of nominations from across the country.

He was hired as Director of Health and Wellness in 2021. Since then, his leadership of community programs and strengthening of partnerships with local organizations has contributed to a healthier and more connected community.

Gunnar Madison is presented with a 30 under 30 award plaque by CEO Christie Thornton. Photo provided.

Since 2018, the YMCA’s 30 Under 30 list has highlighted the accomplishments of the next generation of leaders who embody the YMCA’s mission and strengthen their local organization’s culture. In its fifth year, the list includes staff from 17 states who are working in health equity, youth and family programs, swim and lifeguard instruction, diversity and inclusion, youth sports, early learning and more. Madison, whose work focuses on community health, is the only YMCA senior staffer chosen from New York State.

Madison is a 2021 graduate of Cornell University and a current Master’s of Public Health candidate at the University at Buffalo. Throughout his tenure as the Director of Health and Wellness at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, he has been a champion of bettering community health and increasing health equity through evidence-based health intervention programming.

He has launched a number of health promotion programs such as the YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, Y Weight Loss Program, LiveSTRONG at the YMCA, the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease and Maine Health’s A Matter of Balance. Moreover, Madison has played an integral role in forging new partnerships with the state and county health departments, local senior centers, universities and other non-profit organizations while also strengthening the bond between the YMCA and Cayuga Health Systems.

In November of 2022 Gunnar was promoted to Senior Program Director, overseeing all programming hosted at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County.

“This is an incredible recognition for Gunnar. He is a hard working, cause-driven, talented young man, and we are very fortunate to have him as part of our team at the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County,” YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County CEO Christie Thornton said in a release. “It is so nice to see him recognized on a national level for the valuable health programs that he has been able to bring to the Ithaca community.”

First baby born in 2023 at Cayuga Medical Center

While most people spend New Year’s Eve with a toast at midnight, some find themselves in labor. That was the case with Julie Smith and Joshua Anderson.

Gemma Elizabeth Anderson with parents Julie Smith and Joshua Anderson. Photo provided.

Instead of a resolution to eat better or lose weight, the couple started their New Year with a new baby. At 6:44 a.m. on Jan. 1, the Cayuga Medical Center staff welcomed its first baby of 2023.

Gemma Elizabeth Anderson came into the world at 7 pounds, 2 ounces and is the firstborn child to the couple.

“The family and providers of Cayuga Health and are thrilled to welcome New Year’s baby, Gemma Elizabeth Anderson!” Cayuga Medical Center said in a release.