Eastern Staff Profiles

Deb Ash

Membership Director
Deb began her employment with the Eastern Branch of the YMCA in January 2004 as the Branch Office Manager.  She had never worked in the nonprofit field before and enjoyed the learning experience. Deb became the Membership Director for the Eastern Branch in May 2006. She cites the challenges and enjoyment from YMCA members and families as a very rewarding part of her job.

“I love working at the Eastern Branch YMCA.  I love working for a Christian-based organization.  My faith means everything to me, and the YMCA misson of putting Christian principles into practice is a the only way to survive in this world,” says Deb.  “I know there are really good people in the world and the YMCA staff and members are my extended family.”

Deb has been married for 35 years to Terry Ash.  They have a son, Shawn, and two very beautiful grandaughters, Savannah and Abygail.  When she isn’t working at the YMCA, she enjoys working in her flower garden and reading.

FITNESS

Karen Ruppert

Associate Executive Director, Aquatics and Fitness – Dover, Eastern & York Branches
Karen joined the YMCA of York & York County in 1991 as the Fitness Coordinator for the Dover branch, and became the Branch Director in 1999.  In 2006, she was promoted to her current position, assuming oversight of fitness and aquatics at three YMCA locations.

Karen received a BS degree from York College of Pennsylvania in 1984.  She holds YMCA Director, Fitness Instructor and Trainer Level certifications and is a certified American Red Cross CPR instructor.