Amy Kienle made her transition from Amelia Island to Gainesville three years ago to begin her job as the CEO of the Georgia Mountains YMCA.
“Here at the YMCA, we are for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” she said.
The YMCA is different from similar facilities in that it isn’t just an exercise facility, but instead a place to grow in spirit, mind and body; equally.
Amy is married with two teenage daughters who enjoy spending time at the Y as much as she does. She also enjoys all things outdoors–going on the lake, hiking in the mountains and camping. Her hope for the future is that the Y continues to expand and create an impact in the lives of many families and individuals.
We would like to thank Amy for taking the time to speak with us about her life and interests.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: ‘I’ve always known I wanted to serve people and was drawn to the Christian atmosphere and heritage of the YMCA. My dad also worked for the YMCA.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “El Maguey, I love to order the vegetarian quesadilla.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County?
A: “Stephanie Woodard–she was a YMCA board member when I was first hired. I like her diverse perspective on the world and Hall County, for that matter. She is an inspiration to many. I only have good words to say about her.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “There’s a YMCA in Jerusalem that I’ve always wanted to visit. I think it would be a truly life changing experience.”
Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: “One of the Rocky movies with my dad.”
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: “Love one another, care for each other.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I’ve always wanted to skydive–I’ll get to it eventually.”
Q: What is your favorite music/ three bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “Zac Brown Band, Elvis and The Beatles.”
Q: What local place makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “The Square, you can just feel the history that’s there. I go frequently to eat at Recess.”
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Hall County would you have lunch?
A: “Oprah, the breadth and depth of that conversation would be incredible. We’d go to Recess.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “The people–for sure.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “In five years, I see myself still with the Y, hopefully growing and creating a widespread impact in the community. Both of my daughters will be graduated from high school, so my husband and I will be adjusting to life as ‘empty nesters,’ and I hope to own a boat and be enjoying a lot of time on the lake and outdoors.”
Q: What is something interesting most people don’t know about you?
A: “My daughter, Hope, is on the transplant list for a liver, stomach, pancreas, small bowel and colon.”
Q: What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word ‘home’?
A: “Family, friends and love.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.