Gage Wilson/ Assistant News Director
In the heart of Barren County, where the ebb and flow of community life mirrors the gentle currents of Green River, the Barren County Family YMCA serves as a steady vessel of support.
At the helm of this remarkable ship is Tara Bailey, a leader whose guidance has navigated the YMCA through both calm waters and stormy seas. As we explore her journey and the profound impact she has made, it becomes evident that Bailey is a captain who steers with a steady hand, deeply committed to the course of community service and leadership, embodying the essence of our “Together We Rise” series.
Tara Bailey embarked on her voyage with the YMCA in May 1993, setting sail on what would become a lifelong dedication to her community. In 2018, she took command as CEO of the Barren County Family YMCA, guiding the organization through the uncharted waters of growth and change.
Now, 56 years old, Bailey balances her responsibilities with the care of a devoted family—her steadfast crew. Her husband, whom she describes as her most steadfast supporter and confidant, plays a pivotal role in her life, reinforcing the strong family foundation that underpins her leadership. Bailey’s academic achievements, including a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, have equipped her with the skills needed to steer the YMCA through complex challenges and opportunities.
Ultimately, in the interest of broadening her horizons, her compass brought her to Barren County. Serendipitously, the YMCAs of Kentucky and West Virginia share the same alliance, an important factor in Bailey’s current port.
Bailey’s leadership is anchored in her experience as a woman steering through waters often dominated by male counterparts. She has learned to maneuver these waters with empathy, resilience, and collaboration, ensuring that the YMCA remains a welcoming harbor for all. Under her direction, the YMCA has focused on charting a course that meets the unique needs of Barren County, tailoring programs and services to address the specific challenges faced by the community.
However, the journey has not always been smooth sailing. Bailey has had to operate through storms of stereotypes and challenge the perception that leadership must be rigid or traditional. She has proven that championing with compassion can be just as effective, if not more so, than following a conventional route.
Since taking the helm, Bailey has overseen extensive transformations at the YMCA, guiding the ship toward new shores.
Under her leadership, the YMCA has expanded its facilities, including adding a 5,100-square-foot childcare wing and upgrading its fitness equipment. These improvements, buoyed by a $3 million grant from the State of Kentucky, have allowed the YMCA to serve more people, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Bailey takes particular pride in several initiatives that have broadened the YMCA’s reach. One notable project is the collaboration with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, which has allowed the YMCA to extend support to families during the holiday season. Additionally, the expansion of childcare services and the introduction of new fitness programs have further enriched the YMCA’s offerings.
Bailey has also placed a strong emphasis on mental health initiatives, ensuring that the YMCA is a safe harbor where both physical and emotional well-being are nurtured.
Looking to the horizon, Bailey’s vision for the YMCA is both ambitious and expansive. She envisions the YMCA as the community’s flagship for mental health, physical health, and overall well-being, steering Barren County toward a healthier future. To achieve this, she plans to continue expanding programs, deepening community partnerships, and addressing the evolving needs of the community.
The YMCA is also planning to grow its facility with a new 3,000-square-foot senior wing, creating a space where seniors, adults, and families can find the support they need.
When asked for advice for future community captains, Bailey encouraged women to chart their own courses with confidence, staying true to their values and not being afraid to venture into new waters. Her leadership style has been shaped by her own mentors, such as GiGi Woodruff, a YMCA leadership trainer who has been instrumental in her development as a leader.
Balancing the demands of leading a large organization with personal well-being is a challenge Bailey takes seriously, much like maintaining a ship’s course through rough waters. She makes it a priority to spend quality time with her family and ensures that she maintains her own well-being. For Bailey, self-care involves activities that allow her to disconnect and recharge—whether it’s taking drives on her Harley or Jeep, cruising the lake in her boat, or embarking on spontaneous trips. These moments of relaxation and reflection allow her to return to her responsibilities with renewed energy, ready to navigate the next challenge.
Beyond her role at the YMCA, Bailey remains deeply involved in the Barren County community, serving in various leadership capacities. She has held numerous positions, including past president and current treasurer of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and secretary for the Friends of Barren River Lake & Park.
Tara Bailey’s leadership at the Barren County Family YMCA has not only transformed the organization but has also enriched the lives of many in the community. Her dedication, vision, and resilience have ensured that the YMCA will continue to be a vital resource for Barren County, guiding the community through both calm waters and turbulent tides.
Through her work, Bailey exemplifies the spirit of our “Together We Rise” series, proving that with the right leadership, the potential to create positive change is as boundless as the open sea.
