Illinois Valley YMCA dedicates gymnasium to former CEO Dave Potthoff

When longtime Illinois Valley YMCA CEO Dave Potthoff arrived at the YMCA on Sunday he had no idea what he was in for. As it turns out the YMCA Board was dedicating the on-campus gymnasium in his name.

“He was very surprised,” said YMCA Board President Bob Suarez. “He had no idea that he was receiving that acknowledgment. He was completely caught off guard.”

Suarez mentioned Potthoff’s wife and the YMCA secretary were able to keep the recognition a surprise while getting him to come into the building.

“He even referenced in his speech that he thought he was just going to come here and throw a couple ducks into the pool,” Suarez said. “Then he walked in and saw the people there, he was pretty surprised.”

The event Sunday had about 75 supportive family members and friends in attendance as they came out to dedicate the gymnasium to their longtime CEO.

“A lot of (Potthoff’s) family showed up but also a lot of the old board members and president and people who were involved with those expansions,” Suarez said.

“He doesn’t really have great reactions. He’s usually pretty reserved but we definitely surprised him.”

Potthoff served as the Illinois Valley YMCA CEO for 35 years , where he oversaw the organization’s growth from a small facility with an initial gymnasium into a 115,000 square foot complex.

“When he first showed up, there wasn’t much there,” Suarez said. “All there was, was a gymnasium with just one court and a little office. When he came in he really had the vision and a dedication to programming and growing memberships.”

Suarez mentioned he believed over Potthoff’s tenure with the YMCA, he guided it through five different expansions of various sizes.

The organization has since added an additional gymnasium, expanded the wellness center, added daycare rooms, the aquatic center, among other amenities.

“(Potthoff) oversaw all of that and there’s a lot of guys on the board, almost half of them have been there for almost 20 years, have worked closely with him and really knew the dedication he gave to us,” Suarez said.

When Potthoff announced his retirement back in April, the board wanted to do something to acknowledge him but weren’t able to have an open house because of COVID-19.

Suarez wasn’t sure of exactly where the idea to name the gymnasium after Potthoff originated, but was sure the decision was unanimous. Suarez noted Potthoff’s commitment to not only the YMCA, but also to the community in his years of service.

“There were a lot of people that helped build that Y that were on the board even before me,” Suarez said. “Everyone was 100% supportive of this idea and it’s really deserving.”

Suarez said for his position with the board, he has had a great time working with Potthoff and the rest of the board feels the same way.

“I can speak for the whole board, it was a privilege to work with him,” Suarez said. “He made being a board member and making those decisions very easy and he never tried to influence us on anything.”