Tom Bradshaw’s involvement with the YMCA began when he was just 7 years old. Tom credits the YMCA with giving him his first pair of tennis shoes and with inspiring him to get involved in the community.
Tom Bradshaw’s commitment to serving the YMCA and the region is unmatched. As a former Raleigh City Councilman, Raleigh Mayor, North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary and education advocate, Tom has always been motivated to “do the right thing for all the young people in the region.”
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
On April 24, Bradshaw was awarded the YMCA of the Triangle's Lifetime Achievement Award at the YMCA's Annual Celebration at the Embassy Suites in Cary.
“He is one of the few people who imagined and predicted the growth of our YMCA and the Triangle region,” says Doug McMillan, YMCA of the Triangle CEO. “His bold, insightful volunteer work is a gift to our Y.”
Since the 1970s, Tom has served the YMCA in a variety of key volunteer roles. In 1997 and 1998, Tom led the YMCA’s Annual We Build People Campaign raising more than 3.3 million dollars! Today, he serves as Vice President of YMCA of the Triangle Board of Directors. In 2010, Tom and Smedes York encouraged the YMCA and the Lightner Leadership Institute to join forces.
Today, more than 2,500 middle and high school students from around the region participate in teen leadership programs, including Lightner Y Achievers. All of these programs inspire leadership skills, entrepreneurship, and perseverance - characteristics that Tom Bradshaw portrays.
“Tom is a passionate ambassador for the YMCA,” says Doug McMillan. “He continues to challenge us to expand YMCA service to communities who need us most.”
