Bret Kiester Email & Phone Number

Austin, Texas, United States

Buda, Texas

Directed employees in daily operations and program management across facility offering competitive swimming, summer camp, and family programs. Boosted public image and drove community engagement by representing YMCA and promoting non-profit within community organizations including Hays CISD Student Health Advisory Committee and District Leadership Team. Leveraged proven outreach strategies to bolster diversity and inclusion initiativesGenerated $96K of new revenue in fiscal year 2022 by facilitating a merger between the Hays Swim Club and YMCA Camp Moody Increased camper enrollment by 36% from May 2020 to May 2022 Garnered the highest, 82%, Net Promoter Score (NPS) for all YMCA of Austin summer camp locations Maintained 87% member retention by prioritizing interpersonal connections. Identified and addressed individual needs with accuracy, discretion, and empathy.

Buda, Texas

Oversee aquatic programing, maintaining quality across eight YMCA facilities in Austin area; identified and rectified irregularities in policies, standards, and practices to improve productivity and consistency. Created and implemented monthly training sessions for 350+ staff, detailing emergency plans and best practices to ensure safety for staff and YMCA members. Ensured adherence and monitored status of operational goals by conducting monthly assessments regarding retention, NPS, budget status, monthly revenue, and budget action steps. Drove continuous improvement by creating reports and conducting fault tree analysis following aquatic incidents and accidents. Reduced or eliminated potential risks and accidents by enforcing safety policies.

Buda, Texas

Coached & mentored team of 150+, providing top-tier customer service by prioritizing authentic engagements and anticipating individual client needs. Curated strong community network, directing programs and development opportunities such as: Leadership San Marcos Board, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership San Marcos Program, and the Student Health Advisory Council for Hays & San Marcos school districts.Increased profitability by $205K through new member acquisition and sponsorship canvassing, securing 80% donor conversion rates. Formed 16-member Board of Directors to advise Executive Director in creating strategies to support annual budget. Negotiated $18K in new sponsorships by creating mutually beneficial donor contracts.Ensured success of various capital improvement projects, including 17K square foot renovation in 2015 and 4K square foot facility addition in 2012. Realized 75% NPS via targeting community outreach and customer engagement initiatives.

Buda, Texas

Selected by President/ CEO to manage $2M+ programming budget alongside management of team of 67 employees. Directed wellness, youth and family, and aquatic programs for 4K+ members, including youth and adult swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs, and lifeguard trainings.Secured 68% retention rate through strategic member engagement plans, including Listen First program which drove retention by encouraging staff to assess and reflect issues to identify and resolve root causes. Increased annual giving campaign from $60K to $72K through sponsor outreach.Secured $30K in new revenue through aquatics management contract. Implemented lifesaving drowning prevention program, in partnership with non-profit, Collin’s Hope. Offered swimming lessons, safety training, and CPR instruction to local community. Program has 5K participants to date.