Woodbury YMCA Has New Executive Director

Longtime Woodbury resident Heidi Bardwell has been named executive director of the YMCA in Woodbury.

Bardwell takes over for Stephanie Chauss, who held the executive director job for more than eight years. Chauss will continue her role with the YMCA of Greater Twin Cities as vice president of operations, responsible for 13 YMCA locations, including Woodbury.

“Heidi’s extensive community involvement, commitment to Woodbury and YMCA experience will ensure that the Y remains a vital component of this community,” Chauss said in a release.

Bardwell in 1996 joined the Eagan YMCA as membership and marketing director and nearly seven years later was asked to lead the membership department for the YMCA in Woodbury. She has expanded her role in Woodbury over the years and in early 2012 was promoted to branch director.

“Heidi is known throughout the Woodbury area as a leader in the community. She is recognized and highly respected by community, legislative, education, and civic leaders,” Barbara Tuccitto Warren, president of the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.

Bardwell:

• serves as chair of the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce;
• serves as a school board member for the Math and Science Academy; and
• is a member of the Steering Committee, Living Healthy in Washington County and is a member of the Woodbury Health and Wellness Collaborative.

She was also a founding member of the Woodbury Area Kiwanis Club and has served on a Parent Advisory Committee for King of Kings Lutheran Church, along with being active in the South Washington County Relay for Life.

Bardwell has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Minnesota and lives in Woodbury with her husband David and daughter Elsa.

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