Inspired to ‘dream big’
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by Tom Chillemi
When Rosabeth Ward Kissman was growing up in Hartfield on the edge of a cornfield, she would beg her parents to take her to Deltaville—so she could play on the sidewalks.
“Sidewalks translated into an ‘activity’ in my adolescent mind, and I wanted something more than mud pies and tree climbing,” said Kissman, who was recently appointed branch executive of the Middlesex Family YMCA.
While children’s programs and family opportunities were limited, each year Rosabeth and her three siblings participated in the July 4th Children’s Parade in Deltaville. And a trip to the Deltaville Pool… that was the highlight of the summer!
“My childhood experiences have prepared me for my current role as branch executive,” she said. “They have given me deep insight into the vision and direction for the Middlesex Family YMCA.”
There is a striking contrast between her limited childhood opportunities and the many programs at the YMCA, Kissman explained. “Life before the Y is a vivid image in my mind. It inspires me to recognize the good that has been accomplished in Middlesex through dedicated volunteers, contributors and the Y staff, and enlivens me to dream big for the future of the Middlesex Family YMCA.”
Kissman said she is “humbled” by the opportunity to provide life-changing programs and services for the families of Middlesex.
“I am blessed to serve here,” she said. “A priority for my service is to advocate for the YMCA as a charity and mission-oriented organization. Providing all individuals, regardless of income or circumstance, with the opportunity to experience the quality programs and services that only the Y can provide is paramount to creating quality of life for Middlesex County residents.
“Middlesex County has an unparalleled sense of community, and it’s my hope the people will continue to support further development of the Y so we may continually meet the needs of our youth and families and improve lives.”
Kissman will still visit the Deltaville Pool each summer. “Except this time, it will be with a group of 65 Summer Camp kids ready to cool off after a full day of games and activities,” she said. “Life with the Y is good.”
She was promoted to branch executive in August when former branch director Buzz Lambert accepted a similar position at the Williamsburg YMCA.
Kissman is the daughter of Floyd Gene and Helen Ward. Raised in Hartfield, she graduated from Middle-sex High School in 1997.
Kissman studied international relations at Randolph-Macon College and earned a bachelor’s degree in human services at the University of Phoenix.
Kissman has served the United Methodist Church as president of the Virginia Conference Council on Youth Ministries, and as southeastern jurisdiction representative. She traveled to Mutare, Zimbabwe, with the mission choir, “Voices of Youth.”
In addition, she serves as a member of the Small Church Leadership Initiative for the Virginia Annual Conference, and is a preschool Sunday school teacher at Lower United Methodist Church. She also represents the YMCA in the Middlesex Partners in Progress (PIP).
She and her husband David, a chief Navy Nuclear Machinist Mate in service aboard the USS Eisenhower, have two daughters, Sophie Grace, 6, and Macon Avery, 3.
From 2004 to 2008 the Kissmans lived in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where David served as an instructor at the Navy Nuclear Prototype School.
