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Brace, Harry H.

 Person

Biographical Note

Harry Brace followed in the footsteps of his father Steve, also a YMCA professional, in his career with the Y. While attending the University of Nebraska, Brace spent his summers working at the Seattle (Wash.) YMCA day camp. After completing his graduate studies at George Williams College, he was appointed the community program secretary in the Minneapolis (Minn.) association.

He moved to the Grand Rapids (Mich.) YMCA as the assistant executive secretary and then general director. In 1983, Brace was appointed president of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte (N.C.). Under his leadership, Charlotte became one of the country’s most successful YMCAs. Membership grew from 46,000 in 1983 to more than 106,000 in just six years; and the budget grew from $5 million to $40 million.

He had a quiet, yet effective leadership style and was skilled at assembling strong teams who emphasized the Christian purpose of the YMCA, while also supporting inclusiveness. Brace died unexpectedly after 16 years in Charlotte.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

YMCA Hall of Fame – 2004 – Inductee – Brace, Harry H. – Nomination and Biographical Information, ca. 1981-2004

 Folder — Box 16: Series 02, Folder: 14
Identifier: 02
Series 02 Scope and Contents From the Series: This series is arranged chronologically by year, and within each year, the materials are arranged by type, including: videos and photographs of the induction ceremonies, programs and/or invitations to the ceremonies, memos, planning committee minutes, budget notes, and other organizational materials, newspaper clippings, biographical information and nominations for the inductees, photographs of the inductees, and information about other nominees from that year. Undated and/or unidentified...
Dates: ca. 1981-2004
Found in: Springfield College Archives and Special Collections / YMCA Hall of Fame Records / Series 02: Annual Induction Ceremonies and Nominations

YMCA Hall of Fame – 2004 – Inductee – Brace, Harry H. – Photograph and Correspondence, ca. 2004

 Folder — Box 16: Series 02, Folder: 15
Identifier: 02
Series 02 Scope and Contents From the Series: This series is arranged chronologically by year, and within each year, the materials are arranged by type, including: videos and photographs of the induction ceremonies, programs and/or invitations to the ceremonies, memos, planning committee minutes, budget notes, and other organizational materials, newspaper clippings, biographical information and nominations for the inductees, photographs of the inductees, and information about other nominees from that year. Undated and/or unidentified...
Dates: ca. 2004
Found in: Springfield College Archives and Special Collections / YMCA Hall of Fame Records / Series 02: Annual Induction Ceremonies and Nominations

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