Our Team
Jeff Summers
Branch Executive Director
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
We like to say Jeff “came with the building!”. He began as the Program Director for the MSCC, before the building’s construction was even complete. Jeff took on the Branch Executive Director role in 2015. He is originally from Jacksonville, IL and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University. Before coming to Brown County, Jeff was the Executive Director at Western Illinois Youth Camp. He is a husband and father of two kids.
Jeff loves that our mission is to improve people’s lives and give back to our community. He has a sense of pride that we are able to give back and help others. He also has a very deep appreciation for what our community does to support us. He is inspired and feels proud when people tell him that the Y had a positive impact on their life and made a real difference for them. Jeff especially likes it when we make a difference for children or make our community a better place to live or visit.
When he’s not crunching numbers, you can find Jeff duck hunting, entertaining his kids, watching his favorite sports team, exercising and cooking. The values of loyalty, honesty, gratitude, family, success, competition and giving back drive him both personally and professionally. When Jeff was five, he was pretty sure he would be an athlete or scientist and, in another life, he’s pretty sure he would be a coach, business owner or working in finance. If he was a pasta shape, he would be linguine: not too thin but not too big, either. He classifies himself as a ravioli pasta shape, although he would prefer to be more spaghetti!
His piece of advice for a candidate joining our team of superstars is to love people, be enthusiastic and want to make a difference. Oh, and have fun!
Megan Lawson
Director of Membership
"The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly,
and lie about your age."
-Lucille Ball
Originally from Meredosia IL, Megan attend John Wood Community College and the University of Dubuque, IA. Prior to coming to the MSCC YMCA in August 2025, Megan served as the Secretary at Brown County Middle School. Megan loves that she is part of a community where people feel accepted, welcomed and empowered. Every person that walks through the doors is greeted like an old friend and every child in our programs is a part of our family. The relationships formed within the walls of our building are authentic and long lasting, and Megan loves that she gets to witness that firsthand on a daily basis. She is inspired by seeing the impact the Y has in the community, across all populations. The Y doesn’t just serve children, older adults, health seekers; we are intentional about serving and providing for all. It is inspiring to see how one organization can unite a community, while simultaneously creating sub communities of like-minded individuals. She feels great pride in working for and being an advocate for the MSCC YMCA.
When not communicating with members and working at the Y, you can find Megan gardening, playing outside with her dogs, chasing her kids in activities, farming with her husband, and spending time with her family. She is driven by the values of faith, family, fun, hard work, honesty and competition.
Her piece of advice for a candidate joining our team of superstars is to be flexible and creative. We are not the type of organization that wants to sit on our past or current successes. We are always striving to do more! Be willing to go above and beyond, not just within your department. Every department is interwoven and dependent on one another. We’re a small but mighty team because no one boxes themselves within their own job description.
Michelle Carmean
Director of Youth and Family Development
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever
come to you without leaving happier."
-Mother Teresa
Michelle is originally from Chambersburg but has lived in Brown County since 1998. She worked in the medical field as an X-ray technologist until she had her kiddos and was a stay at home mom for 10 years. Once her kids started school, she took a position as a one on one aide for a special needs little girl and went all the way through school with her. Before her full-time role at the Y, she worked as Kinder Camp coordinator and after school counselor for 7 years, and Membership Experience Coordinator. Michelle loves the family atmosphere here at the YMCA and being part of an organization that is part of the community and is here to serve their community.
When she’s not corralling kids at the Y, Michelle loves baking, bicycling, watching college sports (GO Hawkeyes!) She is driven by faith, family, service and selflessness. When she was ten, Michelle was determined to be a geologist and move to Africa. In another life, Michelle would 100% be a baker. If she was a pasta, she would be spaghetti because she says she’s not the most exciting person.
For anyone looking for join the Y team, Michelle would advise to bring your smile, be able to adapt and to know that you are making an impact even if you don’t see it.
Favorite quote - Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. -Mother Teresa
Ally Heldt
Director of Healthy Living
“I feel that we’re all lighthouses, and my job is to shine my light as brightly as I can to the darkness.”
― Jim Carrey
Ally, a proud Mt. Sterling native, is a Brown County High School graduate and former Illinois College basketball player who understands the power of teamwork both on and off the court. After competing at the collegiate level for IC, she carried that same passion and leadership into the classroom at St. Mary’s School as a kindergarten teacher and now into her role as Director of Healthy Living at the YMCA.
Deeply passionate about motivating and inspiring both youth and adults, Ally believes everyone has the potential to grow stronger — physically, mentally, and personally. As a current basketball coach for multiple age groups, sports remain her greatest passion. She loves encouraging others to stay active, get involved, and build confidence through movement and community.
Outside of the Y, Ally enjoys staying active and giving back. She is a die-hard supporter of the Mizzou Tigers and the Kansas City Chiefs. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, cooking, missionary work, helping out on the farm, playing recreational sports, sharing her faith in Jesus Christ, being a positive role model, competing in fantasy football, and continuously inspiring others to live active, purpose-driven lives.
Her advice for anyone thinking about joining the YMCA is simple: come in positive, upbeat, and full of life. The Y is home to an incredible team of dedicated “rockstars” who truly want the best for every individual and for the community as a whole. If you show up ready to grow, you’ll find encouragement, energy, and a whole lot of heart waiting for you.