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YMCA executive leaving
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Published: December 13, 2008
After being the face of YMCA of Iredell County for more than two decades, Tip Nicholson is saying goodbye.
Nicholson, 54, is stepping down from his post as executive director effective the end of the year.
After 24 years in the position, Nicholson's name is synonymous with the organization. He is now ready for a change.
"Doing the same thing year after year, you just want some new challenges," he said. "To be fair, I think the organization needs a fresh face and new ideas."
Nicholson is leaving to take on the role of general manager of the Statesville ABC Board, effective Jan 1.
He served on the ABC board for seven years prior to resigning in order to apply for the job.
"Anytime you've been somewhere a long period of time, you start thinking 'do I want to do something else?' "
Nicholson has been tossing around the idea to move on for several years. His decision to leave was fueled by wanting to pursue other challenges.
In his new endeavor, he will be responsible for overseeing staffing and the operation of both city ABC stores.
"I'm ready to do something different for the next 10 to 15 years and this other position will allow me to do so," he said.
The time spent at the Y has been rewarding and leaving will be bittersweet, Nicholson said.
He will not only miss the work he has done for the past 24 years, but also the staff, volunteers and members he sees daily.
Tip's contribution
Upon Nicholson coming on board 24 years ago, the organization had only one swimming pool, one exercise room and two locker rooms.
Through his leadership, the YMCA facility has grown into a 48,000 square foot facility.
Nicholson came to the organization in 1984 after having been an educator in the Statesville School System.
He has since spearheaded two capital campaigns in Iredell and one in Alexander counties, resulting in the building of YMCAs in Barium Springs and Taylorsville.
His leadership and direction will be sorely missed, but he is more than confident the transition in leadership will be seamless.
He will stay on as a consultant for the YMCA for the next several months, but Chief Operating Officer Marcheta Campbell will take on the role of acting CEO.
Nicholson feels comfortable about Campbell's ability to carry on and believes she is a fitting successor.
Campbell and Nicholson have had a great relationship over the past 20 years.
She refers to him as her mentor from whom she has learned a lot from. She will continue to use what she's learned from him during her tenure as CEO.
Nicholson's departure was inevitable.
"I've been around a long time and we knew one day Tip would be leaving us, but we didn't know it would be as soon as it has been," she said.
Although he will be missed, the Y family will continue with business as usual, she said. She is confident he will do well in his next challenge.
"He's going to do a good job no matter what he does," Campbell said. "It's something he's going to do because it's a change and he's looking forward to a change."
Sports Director Nat Auten thinks highly of Nicholson and the thought of working with him was the driving force for coming on board two years ago.
Auten said working with Nicholson has been a great experience because he allows him to take the lead role in running the sports program.
In Auten's eyes, Nicholson is irreplaceable.
"You can't replace a Tip Nicholson," Auten said. "If that's what he thinks is best for him and his family then that's what he should do."
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