If there’s one thing Dan Gillan may not see as much of in Albany as he did growing up, it might just be snow.

“I was raised until I was 13 in Chicago,” says the President and CEO of the Albany Area YMCA, a position he has held for three years. “Everything is cool about Chicago. The White Sox, Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Chicago pizza, ethnic diversity, and, of course, snow.”

Still, his passion to help make Albany the best community it can possibly be and the opportunity to meet other community leaders who share that same goal is pretty cool, too, he says. A Marine for 32 years, Dan has been serving and leading people all of his adult life.

“I am passionate about service - service to country and to others, service to community. I am passionate about people. Engaging people and being a part of their lives in a positive way. I am passionate about making a difference in our community and having the privilege to be a part of an organization that brings all these passions together.”

Married to his wife, Andrea, for more than 37 years, the two have two children, Jared and Abby.  “My wife keeps me on my toes and grounded. We are partners in everything,” Dan admits. “We really are best friends with a deeply committed love and shared faith.”