Esselton “Ess” McNulty has been honored with the Star Award from the Association of YMCA Professionals. McNulty is currently the general director of the YMCA of Pawtucket. He has been involved with the YMCA for more than 40 years. The award is given to YMCA professionals who have shown a commitment to improving the organization and have had a positive impact at their local YMCA.
PBN: You’ve been with the YMCA for more than 40 years. How did you first become involved with the organization?
MCNULTY: I first became involved in the YMCA as a youngster in a small western New York community of Geneva when an anonymous individual purchased a membership so I could participate in sports and learn to swim. For years after that, the YMCA continued my scholarship and I went to camp and participated in youth and government programs, and eventually worked as a volunteer leader. I graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland and served in the Army during the Vietnam era. When the opportunity was presented to me to accept a director position at my hometown YMCA, I gladly accepted.
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PBN: In your opinion, how has the organization changed over the past 40 years?
MCNULTY: Our organization has changed a lot and then again, it has changed very little during my career. On one hand, the YMCA is more efficient, businesslike and focused on best-practices in the services we offer to individuals. The YMCA offers a broader range of important services to many more families than we ever did when I started my career in 1969, and our partnerships with government and other nonprofit organizations are far more complex than ever before. … [However,] every generation grows and learns the same values and skills that one day will make them confident, fit men and women.
PBN: Have you been involved with other community organizations besides the YMCA?
MCNULTY: I’ve enjoyed a 47-year involvement as a member of the Rotary Club, and I am a member of the board and the executive committee of the Pawtucket Foundation. Also, I am a member of the Permanent Legislative Commission on Child Care in Rhode Island, representing the Alliance of Rhode Island YMCAs. I was a longtime member of the Elks Club and recently served on the board of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. In addition, I served on the board and as treasurer of Gateway Healthcare Systems of Rhode Island and served on the board of the Community Counseling Center. •
