Dathan Jones looks over a schedule at the Big Spring YMCA, where he began duties this week as director. (HERALD photo/Alex Newsom)

By ALEX NEWSOM
Herald Intern
 The Big Spring YMCA's new director is on the job.

Dallas native Dathan Jones formally assumed director responsibilities today. He succeeds Pete Thiry, who resigned earlier this year after more than a decade at the helm of the local Y.

There will be a reception welcoming Jones from noon until 1 p.m. Friday. The public is invited.

 “The more the merrier,” Jones said. “Anyone should feel free to just show up and pop in (Friday) and have some sandwiches, cake and punch. I would love to meet the public. I'd like to go door-to-door and meet everyone if I could.”

 Jones, 27, is originally from Dallas, but he comes to Big Spring after working five years at the Abilene YMCA and later McMurry University. His first day of work was Wednesday, but because of moving problems, today is his first actual day in the office.

“I didn't really know too much about Big Spring before I saw an opening here on the National YMCA vacancies online. I knew it was a small town and I was kind of curious about it. So I applied for the position here feeling that because it was a small town I might could make some kind of a difference,” said Jones.

 “One of the big things we'll be working on to start with here at the YMCA is meeting and greeting people —basically helping people to feel comfortable when they come here. Things like orientation on the machines, letting people know what programs we have here and getting with the paper and other major sources of communication to try and let people know what the YMCA has to offer. We want to go directly to the people and directly impact them with the YMCA.”

 Jones completed his undergraduate degree at Hardin-Simmons University in communications and sociology. He also got his masters degree in sports recreation management there.

 “I'm really looking forward to being here. I'm glad to be here already. It's a lot of work to do, but I'm willing to do all of it,'” he said.

 For more information about the reception, the YMCA or its programs, call 267-8234.