LeRoya Sanford
Aquatics Director
| Transformational Leader | 9 Years’ Experience, 6+ In Leadership,US
Summary
Results-driven, transformational leader with 9 years of professional experience, including over 6 years in progressive leadership roles driving innovation, inclusion, and measurable community impact. Expert in large-scale budget management, program development, staff mentorship, and youth development. Committed to advancing access, excellence, and positive change in community-based organizations, and known for building empowered teams, designing innovative programs, and driving organizational change through vision, collaboration, and measurable results.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2025
2025
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Aquatics Director
Lakewood Family YMCA
09.2024 - Current
- Direct all operations, programming, and staff development for a flagship YMCA aquatics department with an annual budget exceeding $1 million.
- Founded and launched the organization's first Adaptive Aquatics Program, making affordable group and private swim lessons accessible to children with special needs-addressing critical drowning disparities in the community.
- Awarded the 2025 Soaring for Impact Award for surpassing the annual campaign goal by 112%, raising over $9,000 in just 3½ weeks to provide financial aid for community programs.
- Designed and executed Lakewood Y's first annual AquaFest, a large-scale fundraising event combining a swim-a-thon, aqua-aerobics-a-thon, and water volleyball tournament-generating unprecedented community engagement and support for financial aid funds.
- Built partnerships with local schools and community organizations to expand outreach and access to aquatics programs.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of 30+ staff, prioritizing professional development, retention, and DEI best practices.
- Implement data-driven improvements to scheduling, staff training, and customer service, increasing program outcomes and member satisfaction.
Aquatics Coordinator
Fairfield Family YMCA
01.2020 - 08.2024
- Directed a $300,000+ aquatics operation, championing a vision of inclusive excellence and team empowerment across multiple program sites.
- Mentored and developed a diverse staff of 25+ and provided leadership training for over 120 YMCA personnel citywide.
- Initiated and grew programs that increased participation and revenue by 20%+, demonstrating strategic vision and adaptability.
- Led a major swim team redesign, achieving a projected 50% annual revenue increase and inspiring staff to achieve new performance standards.
- Redesign of the YMCA Aquatics website increased community engagement and online registrations by 20%.
- Advanced DEI by developing new adaptive aquatics curricula and securing grant funding to widen community impact.
Aquatics Director - Waterfront (Lake)
Seeds of Peace Camp
05.2022 - 09.2023
- Directed all waterfront operations, leading 30 aquatics staff and providing safety and harassment prevention training to 150+ total staff.
- Authored new emergency and safety protocols and trained a multidisciplinary response team, transforming the camp's approach to crisis management.
- Mentored program leaders in water sports and team-building, raising staff retention and morale.
- Built a culture of psychological and physical safety, continuous feedback, and mutual respect in a multicultural, high-stakes environment.
Chief Operating Officer
Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Directed operations, HR, and budgeting for a staff of 20; cultivated a culture of growth and achievement, increasing revenue by 20% in the first month.
- Led process improvement and staff development.
Head Lifeguard
Woodland Hills Private School
01.2019 - 09.2021
- Company Overview: Fitness By The Sea
- Led and inspired lifeguard and instructional teams to deliver inclusive aquatics experiences for diverse youth populations.
- Streamlined administrative systems, increased emergency preparedness, and promoted staff initiative.
- Supported budgetary and supply management, building trust across teams and improving operational efficiency.
- Fitness By The Sea
Counselor and Teacher
Woodland Hills Private School
05.2020 - 09.2020
- Developed and taught integrated curricula, building strong relationships with students and families.
Certified Lifeguard/Swim Instructor
Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center
09.2017 - 05.2019
- Co-created the adaptive aquatics curriculum used as a standard across YMCA programs, advocating for neurodiverse and special needs inclusion.
- Mentored new staff, cultivating a climate of peer learning and support.
Swim Instructor/Certified Lifeguard
City of Compton
05.2016 - 09.2017
- Designed and delivered group and private swim instruction for all ages, emphasizing teamwork, empowerment, and accessibility.
- Led special events to foster community engagement and belonging.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies, Concentration in Writing And Creative Expression
Southern New Hampshire University
Skills
- Transformational Leadership
- Program Development & Evaluation
- Community Engagement
- Budgeting & Financial Reporting
- Staff Training & Empowerment
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocacy
- Crisis Management & Emergency Response
- Marketing & Communications
- Data Analysis (Excel, Daxco)
- Grant Management
- Daxco Operations & Accounting
- Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Selected Impact Highlights
- Created and scaled two adaptive aquatics programs, providing life-saving skills to hundreds of children with special needs.
- Raised over $9,000 in 3½ weeks to fund financial aid, exceeding campaign goals by 112% and expanding access for underserved families.
- Led staff development initiatives and DEI trainings across multiple organizations, resulting in improved retention, morale, and inclusive workplace cultures.
Certification
Red Cross First Aid/CPR
Recognition And Honors
- Soaring for Impact Award, Lakewood Family YMCA (2025)
- Fairfield Family YMCA Employee of the Month (Board of Directors)
- University of East Anglia Water Polo Most Valuable Player
- Posse Scholar
- New Roads Distinguished Student Award (Valedictorian Equivalent)
Professional Development
- YMCA National Leadership Conference, 2023
- Annual DEI Training Facilitator, YMCA of Greater Long Beach, 2022-2024
Timeline
Aquatics Director
Lakewood Family YMCA
09.2024 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies
01.2023 - 06.2023
Aquatics Director - Waterfront (Lake)
Seeds of Peace Camp
05.2022 - 09.2023
Counselor and Teacher
Woodland Hills Private School
05.2020 - 09.2020
Aquatics Coordinator
Fairfield Family YMCA
01.2020 - 08.2024
Head Lifeguard
Woodland Hills Private School
01.2019 - 09.2021
Certified Lifeguard/Swim Instructor
Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center
09.2017 - 05.2019
Swim Instructor/Certified Lifeguard
City of Compton
05.2016 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies, Concentration in Writing And Creative Expression
Southern New Hampshire University