Our loss is Jacksonville's gain. Well-known YMCA of the Suncoast and Palm Harbor community leader, Delonyx Cortez is heading the the First Coast YMCA in Jacksonville as the Associate Vice President. September 29, 2023, will be his last day with us.
Delonyx served as the Executive Director for our Greater Palm Harbor Branch for the past five-and-a-half years. He is coming full circle as the Jacksonville Y was one of the first places his mom took him when they moved from the Philippines at age 6.
"We are always pleased when one of our leaders seeks an opportunity to advance their career. We are happy for Delonyx but sad to see him go," said G. Scott Goyer, President & CEO, Suncoast Y.
Tom Button, Senior VP/COO, YMCA of the Suncoast is bidding Delonyx farewell with mixed emotions.
"Delonyx has been a tremendous asset to the YMCA of the Suncoast who brought energy and a great personality to the work we do. He has done an incredible job for the YMCA and the community and has made many critical connections for our Y that have made our community stronger."
"Through Delonyx's work with the Advisory Council, they started a middle school mentoring program with Palm Harbor Middle School as well as provided support and connection to FEAST - the food pantry serving Palm Harbor. Along with his work locally, Delonyx has been engaged in many state and national initiatives including leading a Peer Community and being involved in resource groups. He is currently part of the planning committee for the YMCA Professional Network (YPN). We will miss him," continued Tom.
Under Delonyx's leadership, the overall profile of the Greater Palm Harbor Y increased exponentially to become the go-to community organization. A few highlights and milestones include: helping garner the largest membership base in the branch's history, most program participants, highest Annual Campaign support in the branch's history, highest percentage of member giving in the Association for five consecutive years (going on six) and a net positive budget for the first time in branch history.
He served on multiple community boards including the Palm Harbor University High School Career Business Administration program, is a Rotarian, the Dunedin North Rotary Membership Chair and was on the Palm Harbor Education Advisory Board.
I've enjoyed my time at the YMCA of the Suncoast. It has helped me grow immensely both professionally and personally. I have met so many great people from staff and members to volunteers and community members and have truly enjoyed representing the YMCA in the community. I can only hope that during my time, I have left the YMCA better off than when I began and we have done enough good to transform lives and make the community a better place to live," shared Delonyx.
His regional and national YMCA work includes being a current Y-USA Staff Trainer. He was a member of the 16th Multicultural Executive Development Institute (MEDI). He currently also serves on the National APILN (Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Network) ERG (Employee Resource Group) and on the Florida YMCA Board as the Vice Chair and previously as the Treasurer/EAF (Emergency Assistance Fund) Chair.
"I'll miss the relationships with people and the staff. The support from colleagues from different programs across the Suncoast Association was one-of-a-kind," noted Delonyx.
We'll miss you too, Delonyx! Best of luck in your new adventure.
Published Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023