SAMUEL A. EDGAR

Samuel A. Edgar was born in Burlington, Iowa, in 1925. He graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in 1947 with a degree in physical education. After graduation, he began his YMCA career as the physical director in Mason City, Iowa. In 1954 he accepted a position in Winona, Minnesota, as the physical director and Adult Program secretary. Two years later, he was promoted to general secretary, a position he held until 1960. In 1959 he was given the community’s Distinguished Service Award as “Young Man of the Year.” From 1960 to 1966, he was a member of the North Central Area Field Staff and was responsible for management services. From 1966 to 1974, he served as general secretary in Des Moines, Iowa.

In 1974 he became the president and chief executive officer for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. Edgar served as the CEO for nearly fourteen years. During his tenure, the annual operating budget increased from $2.6 million to $17.9 million. Membership rose from 70,000 to 200,000. The total branch program centers also grew from ten to sixteen. Under his leadership, the St. Louis Association raised $33 million in two capital development campaigns to fund new facilities as well as renovate existing facilities.

Active in the National YMCA, Edgar served on many committees throughout his career. He was chairman of the North American YMCA Urban Group and chairman of the YMCA Employees Alliance. He was a member of the National Board of YMCAs, the Mid-America Field Committee, and the Human Resources Committee of the National Board. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of George Williams College. Edgar was a member of the International Committee of the National YMCA and served as a delegate to the YMCA World Assembly in Buenos Aires and Estes Park, Colorado. He was a consultant to the Chinese YMCA in Hong Kong and a member of the YMCA World Urban Network. He also served as a member of the YMCA Hall of Fame Selection Committee and a member of the National Executive Director Selection Committee for the YMCA.

Edgar is retired and living in Ballwin, Missouri. He has three daughters and six grandchildren.