Daxko’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting the YMCA movement is at the core of everything we do. To further this mission, Daxko recently appointed Jeff VanDixhorn as the new CEO, and earlier this year Glen Gunderson, President and CEO of YMCA of the North, recently joined the board of directors. Together, their leadership will enhance the Daxko-YMCA partnership, focusing on improving community well-being nationwide.
Leadership With A Purpose: Getting To Know Jeff And Glen
Jeff VanDixhorn has spent his entire career in health and wellness. His journey began as a club operator and evolved into founding a fitness software company, followed by various leadership roles within Daxko. Jeff’s return to the organization as CEO reflects his dedication to improving lives through innovative solutions.
“I could not be more excited to be sitting in this seat,” says Jeff. “My whole career has been about impacting people’s lives, and we, especially those of you out in the field and on the front lines, have an incredible opportunity to do that.”
Glen Gunderson, President and CEO of YMCA of the North and a Daxko board member, is no stranger to the YMCA and the Y movement. With nearly 85% of YMCA associations engaged with Daxko, Glen saw the importance of both Daxko and the YMCA succeeding together.
“I saw a need for Daxko to think in a more customer-centric way, understanding what the Y was after—community outcomes that are so impactful. For me, this was an incredible opportunity to serve the Y movement more broadly,” says Glen.
Together, Jeff and Glen represent a powerful alliance aimed at driving positive change and supporting the YMCA’s mission.
“We have to have a strong Daxko. We have to have a strong Y,” says Glen. “And together, we can make things even better.”
Strengthening Bonds: A New Alliance With Y-USA
One of the most promising developments under Jeff and Glen’s leadership is the enhanced alliance with Y-USA. This collaboration is designed to leverage shared data and best practices, fostering innovation and improving service delivery across YMCA associations.
“Our goal is to have a big impact,” explains Jeff. “Those of us in health and wellness are really motivated by that. This partnership, I believe, will ultimately benefit the Ys and their communities.”
Glen emphasizes the broader implications of this partnership. “One thing that Y-USA can help us do is aggregate insights and understanding. Each local Y has its information, but as we start to pull that information together, we can make more informed decisions around serving the community.”
Phase one of this alliance is already showing promise, and there is great intent at both Daxko and Y-USA to evolve and strengthen this collaboration further. The new agreement between Daxko and Y-USA enhances their ability to share data, insights, and drive future innovation. This is an incredible opportunity for both organizations to work together to benefit those serving communities at the local Y level.
Elevating Voices: The Customer Advisory Board
Recognizing the importance of listening to those on the front lines, Daxko recently created a YMCA Customer Advisory Board. This initiative is designed to gather insights from YMCA leaders nationwide, ensuring that Daxko remains responsive to the needs of its partners.
“There’s no better feedback than hearing it directly from people in the business day-to-day,” Jeff states. “We have an amazing group at Daxko that deeply cares about the communities we serve. We want to know everything—what we’re doing well and what we can improve.”
Glen highlights the importance of this initiative as a crucial step in deepening Daxko’s relationship with its partners. “The important decisions and insights occur within the local Y context. As we aggregate the feedback of these 19 venerable leaders, we’ll learn a lot and be able to deliver on improvements at the Daxko level to serve the Y movement more effectively.”
Looking Ahead: Building Stronger Communities Together
Both Jeff and Glen’s vision for the future of Daxko is focused on deepening relationships and continuing its legacy of service.
“Deepening our relationships is key to building on our legacy,” Jeff explains. “We want to reconnect with communities, talk to people, and strengthen partnerships.”
Glen emphasizes the importance of the Y movement, celebrating its 180th anniversary this summer. “The Y is worth defending and supporting,” Glen asserts. “For two decades, Daxko has been an essential partner. Together, we can achieve even more.”
“If you can’t get passionate about the Y’s work in a social context, you need to check your pulse,” Glen remarks. “This is a crucial time for the Y to be strong and have the right partnerships, like with Daxko. And I already see an amazing shift.”
With Jeff and Glen leading the way, Daxko and the YMCA are ready to enter a new chapter of collaboration and growth. Their commitment to community impact, along with initiatives like the alliance with Y-USA and the customer advisory board, promises a future where both organizations thrive and continue to serve their communities effectively.
As Jeff aptly puts it, “We’re just getting started, and the future looks bright.”
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