During its first Parents Association meeting, Redeemer Episcopal Academy introduced the newest members of its extended family — Fred Bradley and Debbie McCown.

The couple recently retired to Lake Oconee, enjoying a change of pace from their successful careers in the nonprofit world. Bradley was the president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta YMCA and McCown was the president and chief executive of the Piedmont Park Conservancy in Atlanta. But like many retirees, they found it was easy to slow down, but harder to stop.

With years of experience and expertise in growing and developing nonprofit organizations, the couple felt they still had plenty to offer, even in retirement. They found in Redeemer a worthy organization to which they could lend their talents. They are now working to advance the school’s mission of delivering a world-class education in an enriching and nurturing environment that embraces diversity and promotes respect, integrity, values and responsibility.

“Fred and I are delighted to have the opportunity to join the mission of bringing outstanding education to the children of this area,” said McCown. “One thing that particularly excites me about Redeemer is the opportunity to offer this great education to so many students that might not otherwise have the chance to attend a school of this caliber.”

Throughout their extensive careers, the couple has always focused on the development of children. They met and married while both working with the YMCA in California in 1986. After 40 years of service to the YMCA, Bradley retired in December 2008 and McCown left the Piedmont Park Conservancy in May 2008 after 10 years of service.

Bradley grew the Metro Atlanta YMCA to the sixth largest in the country. Its annual budget increased by seven times over his tenure — from $14 million to $105 million — and its membership increased from 26,769 to 152,000. Before retiring, Bradley introduced and raised half of an $84 million campaign in two years.

McCown, a leading steward of Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, spearheaded a 10-year revitalization plan that included raising more than $55 million for operations and capital improvements. The revitalization also established a new master plan for a 53-acre park expansion and restorations of the historic portions of the park.

The two are already putting their resources to work for Redeemer by helping the school raise $500,000 for its “Lion’s Share Fund,” Redeemer’s annual fund initiative. The school relies on this annual fund to bridge the gap between tuition costs and operational expenses.

As with any independent school, additional fundraising is essential to the future growth and success of Redeemer. In addition to helping establish an effective on-going annual fund for the operation of the school, Bradley and McCown are committed to helping guide Redeemer through its next phase of expansion as it secures plans for a permanent campus.

“Redeemer Episcopal Academy has started an exceptional program with a terrific vision,” said Bradley. “I am excited about joining my friend, Jerry Shaifer, and the other leaders of REA as we develop the design of our permanent campus. The mission of the Y is to help each person reach his or her full, God-given potential in spirit, mind and body. This works very well with the mission and goals of Redeemer Episcopal Academy. We are all here for a moment in time to contribute and make a difference.”