Staff Directory

Richard West

Chief Executive Officer

Rich West joined the YMCA of Northern Utah in 2006. As Chief Executive Officer, Rich is responsible for strategic development and implementation for the organization. He also oversees operations as a whole: scheduling, directing, leading, troubleshooting, development and sales while managing finances and budgets. Rich’s background is in youth, health, and recreation management where he has thrived in growing and expanding programs. Rich has an MBA from Westminster College, an MS in Nutrition Science and Education from CSU Chico, and a BS in Biology from UC San Diego. Originally from Utah and spending his later childhood and early adulthood in San Diego, CA, Rich has an affinity for the mountains and the ocean. He loves spending his time skiing, mountain biking, hiking, surfing, camping, and reading by a camp fire with his wife and two sons.

Ashley Radel

Chief Financial Officer

Ashley Radel joined the YMCA of Northern Utah as Controller in 2018. She leads the organization's financial reporting, financial analysis and internal controls functions. Ashley is thrilled to fulfill her dream of working for a nonprofit organization that helps children, families and communities improve their lives and become the most successful versions of themselves. Throughout her career Ashley has worked in the e-commerce, corporate training, construction and mining equipment, insurance, and vision care industries. Ashley holds an MBA from Utah State University and a BS in Accounting from Utah Valley University. She lives in Sandy, Utah with her husband and five children. In her off time, Ashely can be found at plays, concerts, or local sporting events!

Katja Hurst

Director of Operations

Katja Hurst is an experienced leader in early childhood education and nonprofit operations. She began her career in the late 1990s as a teacher and family advocate, working closely with children and families to support learning and development. Over the years, she has held a variety of leadership roles across both the public and private childcare sectors, focusing on creating safe, engaging, and high-quality environments for children and supporting the teams who care for them. Katja has led multi-site operations, overseen program development, and supported organizational growth. She brings a passion for team building, operational excellence, and community impact to every role she takes on. Originally from Germany, Katja now lives in the U.S. with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and planning new adventures with her loved ones.

Pam Higginson

Director of Advancement

Raised in Utah, Pam Higginson joins the YMCA of Northern Utah Leadership team with over 25 years of nonprofit experience. Before coming to her role at the Y, Pam served worked as VP of Major Gifts for Utah, Hope Lodge Campaign Director in Utah, and National Principle Gift Officer over Cancer Control and Prevention with the American Cancer Society. Prior to the American Cancer Society, Pam worked at her alma mater, Weber State University for nearly 10 years. She enjoyed development work as the Director of Development for the Ezekiel R. Dumke and Edna Wattis Dumke College of Health Professions and the Stewart Library. At the university, a true love and appreciation for fundraising, donors, and the differences they can make in the lives of those they supported were established and eventually has grown into a passion. She states, “We each have the ability to make a difference in our own unique and special way. Pam’s leadership skills have not gone unnoticed by the community. She has served on numerous boards through the years from the President of the Utah Musical Theater and the Ogden Musical Theatre to the Board Chair, of the Utah Planned Giving Round Table and the Dumke College of Health Professions. Pam carries with her an appreciation for non-profit organizations in Utah and across the country and values the hard work and impact they have in all of our lives. Pam carries on her family’s tradition of service through work, community and faith.

Rhonda Clark

Salt Lake Regional Director

Rhonda began her YMCA journey in 2016 as a Lead Preschool Teacher and now serves as the Salt Lake Regional Director, overseeing Early Childhood Education, Afterschool, and teen leadership programs across the valley. Her career in youth development began at age 18, and she later earned a degree in Early Childhood Studies. With over 25 years of experience, including time as a licensed child care facility owner, Rhonda has dedicated her life to ensuring that children and families have access to safe, high-quality, and affordable care. During her 18 years in West Wendover, Nevada, she volunteered extensively at the local recreation center, organizing youth sports, coaching, refereeing, and building creative spaces where young people could thrive. Since joining the YMCA, she has expanded afterschool and preschool opportunities for families, secured vital grant funding, and strengthened partnerships with schools, cities, and community organizations. A strong advocate for youth development and family engagement, Rhonda believes in the power of community to create lasting impact. In her free time, she enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with her husband Rick, their four children, and five grandchildren.

Stefanie Zwygart

Weber Regional Director

Stefanie began her non-profit journey back in 1999 as an AmeriCorps member with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, teaching students environmental education on the beach. That experience and her student teaching experience helped her realize her passion for teaching and non-profit management. After completing her bachelor’s degree in education, she later returned to school and earned a Master of Science in Natural Recourses. Her thesis focused on training new educators in the field. In 2009, upon completing her degree, she moved to Ogden, Utah, and became the director of education at the Ogden Nature Center. It was there that she expanded the education outreach statewide as an iSEE (informal Science Education Enhancement) partner organization. She also worked to expand the summer camp programs, created an outdoor classroom and nature playscape, and provided safety and certification opportunities for education staff. As a Leadership Northern Utah graduate, Ogden Chamber member, and board member for the Ogden Preparatory Academy, Stefanie loves being involved in our community. She says. "what a wonderful place to live, especially with community resources like the YMCA!" In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband, two children, and our dog. She has a deep love for science and the environment, so if you need unique STEM activities or just want to talk about crazy animal adaptations, she's happy to chat anytime!

Chelsea Kauffman

Director of Engagement

Chelsea Kauffman joined the YMCA of Northern Utah as the Administrative Director for the Weber region in 2019. Now as the Association Administrative Director, she oversees the organization's program registration, financial assistance, and customer service. Chelsea is honored to work at an organization that welcomes all and inspires the community to live the four Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Chelsea holds a BS in Theatrical Arts and Stage Management from Utah Valley University and an MFA in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University. With her love for the arts, she has been committed to transforming lives as an Exhibit Manager for the Southern Utah Museum of Art, an Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and an Annual Campaign Manager for Utah Symphony Utah Opera. After moving to Utah in 2009 from Pittsburg, California, Chelsea has fallen in love with Utah and made this honeybee state her beloved home. She lives in Ogden, Utah with her husband of 9 years who serves in the Army National Guard and her two children. In her free time, Chelsea can be found playing Pokemon, reading, or painting.

Ben Wittig

Director of Camping

Ben Wittig joined the YMCA of Northern Utah in 2021 as the YMCA Mill Hollow Director. Ben's role as the Director of Camping is to oversee the administration and operations of our two overnight camps, YMCA Mill Hollow and YMCA Camp Roger, as well as our Winter Sports programs. Ben grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he started his YMCA journey as a camper at YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya in Wisconsin - and he never really left camp. While receiving his B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and his M.S. in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, Ben simultaneously worked at YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya to stay involved and grow his skills within the camp industry. Ben's love for camp continues to grow, as he loves to provide opportunities for youth and staff alike to gain community, autonomy, and an incredible outdoor experience. He is involved with the camp movement nationally as a member of the Camp Inclusion Project and the Mid-America Camping Conference Committee. Ben lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Casey, and their dogs, Mae and Miley, and they enjoy all the Wasatch and Uintas have to offer. Ben is a true Wisconsinite when it comes to his love of sports and can always be seen checking news, scores, and updates about his favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Brielle Stevens

Director of Marketing and Communications

With over a decade of experience in project management, sales, and product marketing, Brielle brings a versatile and global perspective to her work. She earned her MSc in International Marketing from Hult International Business School. Brielle joined the YMCA of Northern Utah in 2024 and leads the organization’s marketing and communications. She helps shape everything from brand strategy and campaigns to email, social, print, digital ads, and community outreach. Her approach is simple: build systems that put people first, use data wisely, and always keep an eye on both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. Her work connects thousands of kids and families across Utah to programs that matter — and supports the donor trust that makes it all possible. Since 2013, Brielle has also volunteered with her hometown nonprofit organization, providing in-kind social media coverage for an annual event to expand their reach and strengthen donor engagement. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Brielle has called a few places home and explored 30 countries and 31 U.S. states along the way, in search of connection, good food, and new adventures. She also loves horseback riding, library cards, late-night laughter, and (unapologetically) Costco hot dogs.

Ashley Ballew

Director of Day Camps

Ashley Ballew is the Director of Day Camps, overseeing summer programming across several locations in Northern Utah, including Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Park City. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Georgia and brings a strong foundation in education, environmental science, and youth engagement to her role. Before stepping into this position, Ashley worked with the YMCA’s afterschool programs in the Weber Region for over two years. During that time, she helped build an incredible team and developed programs that offer students a safe place to learn, grow, and have fun. Prior to joining the Y, Ashley served as a teacher naturalist at the Ogden Nature Center, where she led summer camps, field trips, homeschool programs, and iSEE programs—and even secured a large grant to build a butterfly house to source larvae to classrooms statewide for educational purposes. Ashley is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging environments where youth can explore new experiences and build lasting friendships. She is especially proud of her work designing curriculum and program structures that balance safety with meaningful engagement. Her dedication was recognized with the Rising Star Award from the Y. In her new role, Ashley is excited to work with a wonderful team to offer children a great summer experience where they can be safe, have fun, and grow. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors with her family and dogs, Kira and Toad.