Jeff Dunleavy became executive director of the Mukilteo YMCA before there was a YMCA.

Working out of a trailer in the woods where the Mukilteo Y sits today, Dunleavy recalled watching the deer graze nearby while he juggled a $100,000 deficit on $300,000 income.

His charge when hired in 1997 was to not only overcome that challenge, but to raise $2.9 million for the Y’s building fund.

As regular visitors to the Y know, that campaign and subsequent ones were rousing successes.

Because of his leadership, Dunleavy last week was awarded the Bill McKay Service to Youth Award during the Y’s annual Invest in Youth campaign kickoff at Rosehill Community Center.

Presented by current Executive Director Martin Cross, the award marks Dunleavy’s 12 years at the Y’s helm that included the original building campaign, a second campaign to build the adjacent skateboard park and a third to expand the facility itself.

“He’s the quintessential relationship builder,” Cross said.

The award was named after the late Bill McKay, an early and active supporter of the Mukilteo Y.

“He found reward in making others happy and helping them succeed,” Cross said.

“Bill’s commitment… overcame all obstacles,” Dunleavy said. “The board learned quickly that Bill meant business.”

Of his own accomplishments, Dunleavy was humble.

Perhaps he is most pleased about the relationships that developed as the Y grew from a second-hand trailer in the woods to a first-class facility in Mukilteo.

“I’m most proud of our connecting with each other,” he said. “That’s the piece that gives me the most joy.”