Jamie Morgan Honored with Legacy Award for YMCA Dedication

Jamie Morgan, a long-time advocate for community development through youth programs, received the Legacy Award during the annual meeting of the YMCA Professional Network this fall. His recognition highlights a career dedicated to the YMCA, marked by over three decades of service and significant contributions to community welfare in Rowan County, North Carolina.

Morgan’s journey began at the age of 13 when he joined the YMCA payroll. Under the mentorship of Jack Thomas, the executive director who helped establish the South Y, Morgan began his lifelong commitment to the organization. Starting as a scorekeeper for basketball games, he quickly progressed to a camp counselor and, later, a referee for various sports.

Morgan graduated from South Rowan High School in 1984, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He then attended Appalachian State University on a teaching scholarship, earning a mathematics degree. After teaching for four years, he transitioned to a full-time role at the YMCA in 1992 as a program director. Over the years, he managed programming and fundraising efforts for the South branch, eventually becoming CEO of the Rowan County YMCA on May 1, 2000.

Under Morgan’s leadership, the YMCA has flourished. The merger of the Rowan and Cabarrus YMCAs on January 1, 2020, led to Morgan assuming the role of president and CEO of the newly formed association. This organization now includes six branches, notably the Cannon YMCA in Kannapolis, which has roots dating back to 1908, and the recently opened Harrisburg YMCA located in a new town park.

Significant Contributions and Community Impact

Morgan’s efforts have involved a substantial financial commitment, with fundraising and construction totaling $60 million. He attributes his success to his team and community support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “If you do this work, you’re only as good as the people around you,” Morgan stated, acknowledging the role of volunteers and board members in achieving these milestones.

The Harrisburg YMCA, which opened in September 2025, represents a culmination of years of planning and dedication. Following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this state-of-the-art facility was made possible through funding from city, county, state, and federal resources, alongside contributions from the Cannon Foundation and various community gifts. Morgan described the facility as “a beautiful addition” to the community, symbolizing resilience and hope.

Morgan’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He has built a family with his wife, Kathy, whom he married on September 24, 1988. Together, they have six children and nine grandchildren, emphasizing the personal connections that have enriched his life.

Acknowledging the Journey

The Legacy Award ceremony saw around 250 attendees at the Rowan County Events Center, where Morgan was recognized for his dedication to the YMCA and the community. As he accepted the award, emotions ran high. “When you get to be my age, you look at things through a different lens. It’s all about the journey,” Morgan reflected, connecting his achievements to the people who have supported him along the way.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed by peers. Lynn Lomax, president and CEO of the YMCA of High Point, commended Morgan in a recent newsletter, stating that his journey with the YMCA “is a powerful testament to the impact of mentorship, vision-driven leadership, and unwavering dedication to community.”

As Morgan continues to champion community initiatives through the YMCA, his story serves as an inspiration for future leaders in the nonprofit sector, showcasing the potential of dedication and perseverance in making a lasting impact.