The Yates Community Center (YCC) is thrilled to introduce Eke Aiono as the newly appointed Executive Director and Operations Manager, signaling a transformative chapter for the organization. With an extensive background in sports and fitness, Aiono brings rich experience and unwavering commitment to community well-being with this dual role.

Aiono’s journey into sports and fitness started at a young age, growing up in Samoa and later pursuing education in New Zealand. His natural athleticism led him to a thriving professional rugby career, which took him to the prestigious stages of Japan.

After retiring from his impressive athletic career, Aiono’s quest for self-improvement led him to immerse himself in the fitness industry. His dedication and expertise propelled him to the role of Associate Executive Director at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester. Here, he discovered the true value of community engagement and spearheaded various projects, including economic development and fundraising.

In 2019, his dream of creating a fitness space that would be uniquely his own materialized with the establishment of IslandFit. Situated at 80 Commerce Drive in Henrietta, IslandFit is a privately owned training studio specializing in high-intensity interval training, cycling programs, personal training, yoga, and hydromassage services.

With over two decades in the fitness industry, Aiono has worn many hats – from hands-on work with fitness professionals to executive leadership. His multifaceted expertise, innovative thinking, and dedication to community wellness have made a lasting impact.

As the new Executive Director and Operations Manager at the YCC, Aiono will leverage his fitness and leadership backgrounds to enhance the center’s health and wellness programs. He will also spearhead the YCC’s capital campaign project, leveraging his experience in economic development and fundraising to support the construction of a new facility.

Aiono’s appointment marks an exciting chapter in the YCC’s mission to enrich community well-being.

“I am thrilled to join the Yates Community Center and look forward to collaborating with staff and volunteers to continue providing essential services and programs that enrich the lives of our community. I am also eager to work with the Board and other stakeholders to identify opportunities, develop partnerships, and implement a strategic plan that aligns with our mission and goals to achieve positive outcomes to steer our organization towards the future” says Eke Aiono, new YCC Executive Director and Operations Manager.