LEADERSHIP TEAM
YMCA Camp Cosby staff are here to provide you with the best experience possible. Get to know the Camp Cosby Leadership Team.
Steve Merifield
Executive Director
Being back on the shores of Lake Logan Martin at YMCA Camp Cosby since 2015 has been a special gift for myself and my family!
In my first summer at the wonderful Camp Cosby, I was an international counselor from Melbourne, Australia. This was an experience I will never forget and what led me to take on camping as a professional career. I worked at Cosby from 1997 to 2007 in many different roles including counselor, water ski/wakeboard instructor, lifeguard, waterfront director, activities director, OE instructor, and many more until taking on a full time professional role as the Summer Program Director from 2002 to 2007. In 2007 I took on the Executive Director role at YMCA Camp Piomingo for five years and recently as the Associate/Interim Executive Director for three years with the New York YMCA Camp.
The years I spent at Cosby were instrumental in developing my character, leadership skills, and the person I am today. These traits and more were instilled in me through the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. I was lucky to get to know many campers and staff over the years, some whom I keep in touch with today. While working at camp I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I met my very best friends at Cosby and my wonderful wife Erin who experienced Camp Cosby as a camper and staff member. Erin, originally from Dothan AL, graduated from Samford University in Birmingham with a Bachelor’s in Education. She also completed her Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Louisville. Our family including our daughters, Taylor and Kendall , and Carl (family dog) are thrilled to be part of the future of Camp Cosby. We are blessed to be part of this deeply traditional camp family and look forward to what the future holds for Camp.
YMCA Camp Cosby has been a deep-seated partner with the Birmingham community since 1922 and we are dedicated to strengthening the foundations of the community for the future ahead. I truly believe that YMCA Camp Cosby has the potential to positively change the life of children and adults of all ages that experience the high quality programming we provide. As leaders and mentors of youth, teens and young adults we will strive to continue providing opportunities for all to, live, grow, and thrive in a safe, caring, and fun environment focusing on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
In the Cosby Spirit,
Steve Merifield
Michael Morriss
Food Service and Retreats Director
Michael is originally from Talladega County, AL. He moved to San Diego, CA where he attended California Culinary Academy and received his degree. He moved back to Alabama in 2006 to be closer to family and now lives in Talladega with his wife Karen and their three sons Amante, Kyle, and JP. Michael started at Camp Cosby in April 2008 as the Food Service Director and has added many roles in his years at Camp Cosby. He is currently the Program Director of the Outdoor Education Program, Group Camping, and Food Services.
Mandi Gonzalez
Office Operations Director
After spending my childhood at Camp Cosby from age 7 (1983) through the age of 21, serving in many roles including counselor and Pool Director, I am excited to be back as part of the Camp Cosby team.
Camp Cosby helped shape who I am by teaching me leadership, trust, compassion, and character. My favorite part is seeing campers return year after year, watching them grow, and even welcoming former campers back as counselors. I hold a degree in Deaf Education and a background in Special Education, sign language interpreting, and more than 20 years of YMCA experience in the Mobile and Birmingham areas.
I am the proud parent of Arabella (23) and Christian (19), who both grew up at Camp Cosby and later had the opportunity to become counselors. Returning to the place where my YMCA journey began is a true full-circle moment, and I am grateful to be part of the Camp Cosby family once again.
Blessings,
Mandi Gonzalez
David Haynes
Maintenance Director
David has served Cosby’s Maintenance needs for more than 30 years. He is an dedicated and excellent worker. He has led and overseen many facility improvements, small and large to ensure we provide the very best resources for our guests. Roll Tide!
Sky York
Sr. Program Director
Kelsey Lowke
Associate Director
