After 20 years of service, Auburn YMCA-WEIU Executive Director Jim Courtney announced his retirement on Tuesday. The retirement will take effect in September.

“I've enjoyed my many years of service to the community during my time at the YMCA-WEIU,” Courtney said in a statement. “The Auburn Y will always be very special to me.”

Courtney, an Ohio native, knew he wanted to work for the organization from an early age, and he was a paid YMCA camp counselor when he was 14. He had served as a YMCA director in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He came to Auburn in 1988 because he said he wanted to serve at a YMCA in a small community such as Auburn.

During Courtney's tenure, the YMCA-WEIU facility on William Street expanded and was renovated, including a fitness center, nautilus room and nutrition center. The facility also offers new programs, such as children's care and day camps.

The YMCA has been successful in fund raising and it has about 5,000 members.

“Jim Courtney is a great leader,” said YMCA-WEIU Board President Joe Runkle. “His talents will be sorely missed by members, employees and the board. He is leaving us in great condition. It will be challenging to fill Jim's shoes.”

The YMCA's Board of Directors named a seven-person search committee which will be led by Runkle. He will work with a consultant from the national YMCA and the committee to find Courtney's successor.

The board expects to have a replacement named by when Courtney departs in September.

“It saddens me to leave a wonderful organization and fantastic colleagues, but I look forward to a new phase in my life that includes continued service to this great community,” Courtney said.