Anita Ray, executive director of the local YWCA, will step down
from her post effective March 3.

Ray -ðwho has been executive director at the Bradford YWCA on
West Corydon Street since December of 2003 -ðtold The Era Thursday
she is leaving the Bradford area for Arizona.

A “long-term health issue,” Ray said, has prompted her to change
climates.

Ray said she gave notice that she was leaving about four weeks
ago.

“The board has really come a long way in looking forward to what
the YWCA needs,” Ray said of accomplishments during her time with
the organization.

She said the board is “critically dedicated and visionary,” when
“looking at needs to empower (the area’s) women and girls.” Ray
said recently the YWCA has also initiated a center focusing on
leadership and technology skills for McKean County girls.

“It’s a very exciting propsition,” Ray said of the center.

Ray said it’s the people of Bradford she will miss the most when
she leaves.

“There are some really amazing people who work here (at the
YWCA) and support it in the community. I will miss them
terribly.”

Ray said the YWCA executive and planning committees are
examining their options for replacing her. She was unsure Thursday
whether they would advertise the position or promote someone
in-house.

In Arizona, however, Ray said she plans to launch her own
business “in a different industry.”

Before coming to Bradford, the Louisville, Ky., native also
lived in Salamanca, N.Y.