“My father and other mentors instilled in me the importance of a strong community,” said Roy C. Jordan, wealth management adviser with Northwestern Mutual in Nashville, Tenn. “The stronger it is, the stronger I am.”
As a 12-year board member of his local Green Hills Family YMCA, he has been a nonstop fundraiser for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. During this time, he helped raise more than $4.2 million to support the 368,000 people served annually by its 15 local Ys, and recruited more than 40 new volunteer leaders for different committees.
How has his involvement changed his life?
“I become aware that people are struggling,” Roy said. “As an adult, I always had a membership for the fitness center. But until I joined the board, I didn’t know the Y was much more than just working out.” In fact, the Y provides services in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
“I’m having an impact on the community by seeing the Ys stay open,” Roy said. “The money we raise helps local Ys in less-affluent areas.”
His efforts strengthen the Y’s ability to boost up its members. “You have people walking through those doors hurting, and the Y provides a safe haven to come in and leave their troubles at the door.”
Roy earned this year’s Community Service Award in recognition for his contributions to the Greens Hills Family YMCA and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. Upon accepting the award at the tenth annual Community Leadership Gala in September, he urged guests to reflect on their own community service. “Be generous,” he encouraged.