The Forest City Y employs about 75 employees. If you are interested in employment at the Forest City Y, please visit us and request an application.

Bruce Mielke
Executive Director

Bruce has been the executive director of the Forest City Y since 1996. While serving in this capacity, he has facilitated the extension of Y services in nearby communities and directed a capital campaign of nearly one million dollars. He currently serves as the treasurer of the Iowa YMCA state alliance board and is past chapter president of the Association of YMCA Professionals. Prior to serving as executive director, he was a program director at the Forest City Y and was a youth program director for the Mahaska County YMCA. During his time as a YMCA Program Director, he served as president of the Iowa Program Director group. He has also worked as a direct care provider in a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed teens. Bruce graduated from Mankato State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation.

Scott Schaefer

Scott has served as the YMCA’s Property Manager since 1987. He was actually on site when the first shovel of dirt was extracted for the building construction which began in 1985 as an employee of Tri-County, one of the contractors used. Scott is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all building property and equipment.

Stacy Anderson

Stacy joined the Y in 1996 and is the senior program director at the Y. She also serves as executive director of Hanson Family Life Center, a childcare facility in Forest City, through a shared services agreement between the Y and HFLC. Stacy develops and oversees adult sport, adult fitness, youth sports and childcare programs and staff at the Y and HFLC. She graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation.

Kristin Heidemann

Kristin joined the Y in September 2010 and is responsible for marketing the Y benefits to current and prospective members. She brings 16 years of marketing and communications experience to the Y. Prior to joining the Y, she worked as a marketing manager for a Fortune 500 telecommunications company. There she developed and executed marketing plans, managed programs and trained sales employees. Heidemann received her bachelor of arts degree in communications and public relations from Wartburg College.

Carla Duffy

Carla is the Y’s Aquatics Coordinator. She started when the Y opened as a lifeguard and swim instructor and moved to aquatics coordinator in 1989. As coordinator, she supervises lifeguards, manages and teaches swimming lessons and aquatic fitness classes and is head coach of the Y swim team. Prior to the Y, she was a USA Swim coach in Mason City and lifeguard at the Forest City pool.

Josh Pagel

Josh Pagel is the Y’s Youth Sports Director. He is responsible for developing and implementing youth programs and managing youth building supervisors. Pagel also supervises adult volleyball and basketball leagues. Pagel joined the Forest City Y in July 2011 as a membership service representative after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa where he attained a degree in Social Work. Josh enjoys working with youth of all ages and has volunteered with several civic and faith-based organizations whose focus is on mentoring and supporting youth.