Streator Y Director Josh Biros resigns

Josh Biros started at the Streator YMCA seven years ago as executive director with the goal of always bringing something new to the facility.

He has overseen renovations and new programs in his tenure, most recently being the new $1 million fitness center along with renovated locker rooms and an additional small basketball court in what was formerly racketball courts.

Now, he's setting out to do something new for himself. Effective Friday, March 29, he's resigning as director at the Y.

“I decided it was time for a new adventure and I’m leaving in good standing,” Biros said. “We’ve come a long way here and I want to spend time with my family and focus on other things.”

Biros said his goal was to leave the YMCA better than when he started.

“We’ve changed everything since I got here,” Biros said. “I had fresh eyes coming in. Staffing has changed, cleanliness has seen a big improvement, and we’re constantly adding something new. Everything we’ve done has been part of a constant effort to improve, and it's showing up in the responses we get from the community.”

Biros is becoming a plastics supervisor at SOCU in Streator, following in his grandfather and two of his uncles' footsteps.

“My grandpa was the president at Union Bank (now Midland States Bank) when I was a kid and two of my uncles were presidents at other banks around the state,” Biros said. “When I started this job at the Y, I realized I actually really enjoyed the financial analysis part of the job.”

Current Associate Executive Director Alex Spencer will be taking over as interim executive director until the YMCA board decides on a permanent successor for Biros.

Spencer was not available for comment Monday, but Biros sang his praises, saying there is nobody else more prepared for the job.

“Alex is as ready for the role as he could possibly be,” Biros said. “He’s the best available candidate and he can continue the positive direction the Y has been going in for years.”

Biros said he is thankful for the Y family and he will continue to be a familiar face around the place.

“I’m looking forward to being able to come back here as just a member and use the facilities and not lose sleep over it anymore,” Biros said. “I’m thankful to the board and the community for letting me stay in this seat for 7 1/2 years, and I’m excited to continue to help the community working for SOCU. They value the community as much as I do.”