Modeling Philanthropy for Future Generations

Spring, 2019

Krissy Gathright with husband Jay and sons Luke, Lane, and Tate

Krissy Gathright, Executive Vice President and COO of Apple Hospitality REIT, was introduced as a youth to the YMCA in her hometown of Waynesboro, Virginia, as a gym and a place for community gatherings. Over the years she has learned about and embraced the broader mission of the Y. "The Y's strategic priorities of promoting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility are very important to me," says Krissy. In 2012, when she was invited to serve on the board of the Downtown Y, she said yes because she wanted to give back to her community in an impactful way. Krissy eventually became the Chair of the Downtown Richmond YMCA board and subsequently joined the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND Association board, currently serving as its Treasurer.

Krissy is passionate about education and equity of opportunity. Her understanding of the importance of education began with her mother, who is a retired English teacher. Krissy has also served as a volunteer in the YMCA after-school program at Woodville Elementary School. She values the Y's focus on providing children with learning and leadership opportunities in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.

Krissy is married to Jay and is the mother of three boys, Tate (17), Luke (15), and Lane (8). The Gathright family stays active. Jay enjoys playing basketball and working out—often at the Shady Grove or Tuckahoe Family YMCA—and her oldest two sons play baseball and football. Staying active, healthy, and fit has always been important to Krissy, and she makes sure to incorporate Y personal training sessions into her busy schedule. She also encourages her boys to join her in Y volunteer opportunities such as Christmas Connections, Bright Beginnings, and Miracle League.

Krissy has included the Y as a percentage beneficiary of her estate through a donor-advised fund established with The Community Foundation. As they get a little older, Krissy plans to share with and involve her children in her charitable giving decisions. "I would like to include the boys in our plans around charitable giving so that philanthropy will become part of the DNA of future generations in our family."