The search is over.

After a lengthy search, Phillip Doiron has been named the new executive director of the Vicksburg YMCA. He will assume the position in October.

“Vicksburg’s YMCA is an anchor in the community, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” Doiron said.

Doiron is a Vicksburg native who has been involved in the YMCA his whole life. He has come full circle now, becoming the executive director of the same YMCA where he learned to swim.

“I believe in the YMCA’s mission. I saw what it did for me, and I want to pass that on to the next generation. It changes people’s lives. That’s inspiring to me, and I believe in it,” Doiron said.

He is excited this new position will bring him closer to his family after being away from Vicksburg for 15 years.

“This is a wonderful town with a lot to offer,” Doiron said.

Doiron had been serving as president and chief executive officer of the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA in Ocean Springs since 2011.

Moving is not going to be an easy process for his family, especially because they have made great connections and friendship in their time on the coast.

Vicksburg was the only place he would have considered leaving Ocean Springs for because it is where his family is located. He has nothing but positive things to say about the community he is leaving behind, but at the same time he is eager to get back to his hometown roots.

When he was offered the position, Doiron had a mixture of feelings including excited, nervous and a little bit sad, but he said he and his family are happy, content and excited to make Vicksburg their home. He wants to be here permanently and has no plans to leave Vicksburg again.

As for what he plans to do once he starts work in October, Doiron said the YMCA is already strong and he just wants to continue to follow the path of success, which has already been laid out.

“Fortunately, the Vicksburg YMCA has a rich history. First I want to learn how they do things and then chart a course to continue what they are doing,” Doiron said.

Doiron is a graduate of Warren Central High School and the University of Mississippi.

He was the Vicksburg YMCA youth and camping director for six years before he became head of the YMCA Hartsville, S.C. He later took on the director position for seven years in Greenville, Miss. and then moved to Ocean Springs.

His wife, formerly Kara Sanders, is also a Vicksburg native and they have two daughters.

“We are excited to welcome Phillip back to his hometown YMCA. He brings an impressive professional YMCA background and our entire board, staff and membership join us in welcoming him as our executive director,” Vicksburg YMCA board president Ronnie Andrews said.