Our Mission

Andy Thornton | President & CEO

Andy’s 25-year YMCA career began with the Greater Peoria Family YMCA in 1995, where he served first as an intern then was hired as a Program Director serving in the areas of youth sports and childcare. He has served at three other YMCA Associations, including the Canton Family YMCA, the YMCA of Southwest Illinois, and the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA. Andy has served in various roles with the YMCA, including youth sports, child-care, aquatics, property management, and an Branch Executive Director before becoming a CEO for the first time in 2010 at the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA. Peoria is home for Andy and his wife, Dawn, and they both were excited to return in 2017 where Andy could lead the Y that gave him his career start and allowed him the opportunity to meet his future bride, who was also employed at the YMCA in the mid to late 90’s.

Ellen Corbin | Director of Accounting & Human Resources

Ellen graduated from the University of Illinois with her bachelor’s in Accountancy in 2016. She has been with the Greater Peoria Family YMCA since her graduation and has worn many hats during her time here. Ellen started her career in billing, spent time as the Youth & Adult Sports Director, but gladly found her way back into the accounting world as the Y’s Director of Accounting & Human Resources in 2019. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time at the drag strip, on the golf course and playing fetch with her giant dog, Ziggy.

Trey Chandler | Director of Operations

Trey has been with the YMCA organization since 2013, when he started his career as a sports intern with the Warren County YMCA in Monmouth, Illinois. After his internship, Trey was hired as the Youth and Adult Sports Coordinator and worked with the Monmouth Y until 2020. During this time, Trey obtained his Team Leader certification from the YMCA of the USA. In 2020 Trey decided to further his education and achieve his master's degree; he graduated from Western Illinois University for the second time in May of 2022 with a master's in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, which led him to the Greater Peoria Family YMCA. Trey states that he has been fortunate to serve the Tri-county area since February of 2022; he looks forward to many years of service to his community.

Jim Trainor | Property Director

Jim's career in Commercial Maintenance and Engineering began in 1986 – 1990 at the Greater Peoria Family YMCA at 714 Hamilton Blvd. With bigger ambitions in mind to further his skill sets to become a more versatile technician and advance his career opportunities, he took a position at Methodist Medical Center Engineering Department from 1990 – 1999. After nine years at Methodist Medical Center and the unforeseen reallocating of staff (including himself) to different departments, he crossed the bridge back to the Peoria YMCA, where his vast skills and knowledge had paid off to better serve the Y from 1999 to the current. Jim has thoroughly enjoyed working at the Y. He feels that there is lots of hard work to keep himself physically fit and the many challenges to overcome to motivate him. Jim feels blessed to work for a Cause Drive Organization that positively impacts the community. Jim loves to engage with the friendly members and staff daily.

Kennedy Banks | Member Engagement Director

Kennedy is a graduate of Grambling State University where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Marketing in 2021. Kennedy has been a part of the Peoria YMCA team for several years as a Wellness Attendant, Membership Experience team member, and Building Supervisor. Kennedy was born and raised in the Peoria, IL area where she has been involved in many community outreach programs/organizations. One of her favorite parts about working for the YMCA is being able to give back to the community that once poured into her. When she is away from the Y, Kennedy enjoys spending time with family and traveling.

Jordyn Porter | Billing & Human Resources Assistant

Although it is not her daily walk with her dog or an exhilarating roller coaster ride (her favorite pastime), Jordyn feels grateful to be part of the YMCA. To her, the Y is an inspiring organization that encourages and supports growth within the community and its members. Jordyn began at the YMCA in the fall of 2021. Although she hasn't been with the organization for a long time, she feels that it has given her a sense of purpose that no other job has. She looks forward to continuing her work and helping spread the Y's mission "to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all."

Ruthie Bertram | Director of Marketing and Development

Ruthie graduated from Bradley University with her bachelor's in Public Relations in 2019 and her master's in Nonprofit Leadership in 2021. She has been with the Greater Peoria Family YMCA since 2020, where she started as a part-time employee with the Membership Experience Team and billing department. Once she finished her master’s, she applied for the Director of Marketing and Development position; promoted to full-time director in 2021. One of her favorite parts about her role is giving back to her community and making new connections. When she is away from the Y, Ruthie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs.

Gary House | Sports & Teen Outreach Director

Gary’s YMCA journey began in 2016 at the Campanelli YMCA in Schaumburg, IL. as a Summer Camp Counselor. He soon transitioned to the role of After-School Coordinator and then a Sports Coordinator. During that time, he discovered his passion for creating positive, supportive, and engaging programming for the entire family. He brings the same dedication to his new role as the Sports & Teen Outreach Director at the Greater Peoria Family YMCA. Gary is a self-proclaimed fine coffee connoisseur and dad joke extraordinaire. He loves to spend his time playing, watching, and teaching basketball or hanging out at home with his fiancée (Kayla), two dogs (Kiro and Royce), and cat (Question). He’s excited to continue to grow in his new role and with the community!

Tanner Wheat | School Age Director

Tanner is a graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree in Community Public Health and is currently in the final year of his master's program in Exercise Psychology. Tanner began his YMCA career as an intern in 2021 at the Bloomington YMCA and began his tenure in Peoria in May of 2022. Growing up in Macomb, Illinois, the Y has been a part of Tanner's life since he was a child. Because of his experiences, he feels blessed to have the opportunity to oversee the programs in which he once participated. Tanner is excited to be a part of the Greater Peoria Family YMCA team while he continues to grow in his career.

Adam Wasson | Aquatic Director

Taylor Simpson | School Age Coordinator

Taylor is a graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science. While in school, she focused on child development, families, and their relationships. Taylor looks forward to making a positive impact on the youth that the YMCA serves through the Before/After School and Summer Day Camp programs!

Andrew Jeffcoat | Housekeeping Supervisor

Andrew grew up in Peoria, Illinois, but his family originates in Alabama ("Roll-Tide"). In his free time, he enjoys indulging in his passion for collecting and selling ancient Roman coinage and studying history. As the Housekeeping Supervisor, Andrew oversees the custodial staff and coordinates the cleanliness and safety of the interior of the YMCA. He wants everyone who comes through the facility doors to have a wonderful and safe experience.