Executive director of Lauri Ann West Community Center in O'Hara resigns

O'Hara resident Keith Fenton will serve as interim executive director of the Lauri Ann West Community Center in the wake of Paul McComb's resignation last week.

McComb, who came to the center in 2014 and ushered in a $9.3 million construction project the following year, submitted his resignation effective Jan. 8. McComb also previously worked as executive director of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. He was not able to be reached for comment.

Monica Gay, marketing director for the center, said McComb left to pursue other opportunities.

A post on the center's website said the board thanks McComb for his service as they begin a formal search for a replacement.

Fenton, a member of the center's board, will have daily office hours and assume all duties previously handled by McComb.

“The biggest thing I'm concentrating on is how excited the whole community center staff is about where we are and where we can continue to go,” Fenton said.

A native of Latrobe, Fenton earned an MBA from Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business and is recently retired from pharmaceutical producer Eli Lilly after 25 years.

Members of the community center, at 1220 Powers Run Road in O'Hara, are the heart of the facility, Fenton said. He plans to spend the next few weeks reaching out to members to solicit ideas for moving forward.

“I am looking forward to working with our entire community to ensure that the Lauri Ann West Community Center continues to be the perfect place to learn, play and grow for all of our neighbors,” he said.

The 28,000-square-foot center is on 11 acres and includes a paid gym, multi-purpose area, regulation-size gymnasium and programming rooms.

Prior to joining the board, Fenton was an active member, he said.

“It's a great place to connect, have fun and make new friends within the community,” he said.

After an early morning trip to the fitness center this week, Fenton said he spent the day observing the variety of programs hosted and the diverse population they draw.

“There were a mix of people here taking yoga then we had people playing Bridge and then we had arts and enrichment after school with young children,” he said. “That's what excites me. You look around here and you say ‘that's what a community center is supposed to be.”

Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2, tpanizzi@tribweb.com or @tawnyatrib.