WHO IS MICHAEL BRUNKER?
THE THIRD CITY OPTION
CEO Since January 4, 2021
MR. SAN DIEGO - 2019
YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY - Retired January 4, 2021
VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION ADVANCEMENT July 1, 2019 - January 4, 2021
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HUMAN DIGNITY AWARD - 2018
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR October 13, 1997 - June 30, 2019
JACKIE ROBINSON FAMILY YMCA – San Diego, California
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
FOUNDER – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1987 – October 13, 1997
SAN DIEGO COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
SAN DIEGO REGIONAL POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE (STAR/PAL) - San Diego, California
SPORTS ADMINISTRATION 1972 – 1987
ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH: SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (1980-1987)
ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH: NBA DETROIT PISTONS (1978-1980)
ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT (1974-1978)
ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH: BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE HS (1972-1974)
#LiveGiveLove
Born and raised in Detroit. Arrived in San Diego in 1980. In July of 2013, I had the opportunity to attend The YMCA General Assembly in Philadelphia, PA. Among the many outstanding presentations I heard, one that I have always remembered was a show stopper by Willie Jolley detailing how anyone can turn a setback into a comeback. So, after being on unpaid furlough from the YMCA of San Diego County since April 4, 2020 due to COVID-19, I let go and let God and launched Michael Brunker on June 10, 2020. My furlough ended after 91 days, but I never forgot 3,840 branch and corporate associates out of 4,000 that have been in the same predicament as me and my continued thoughts and prayers are always with them all.
On January 4, 2021, I retired from the Y after 23 years of service to reFIRE as the first CEO at The Third Option City and a mission to unite the country one city at a time by developing loving relationships honoring our similarities and celebrating uniqueness. The time is now to fall in love with the similarities that define our humanity. A setback is nothing but a setup for a comeback was a constant reminder to continue spending my heaven doing good on earth. Visit http://www.thirdoptioncity.com to learn how I am doing it now!
St. James High School
Class of 1970 Yearbook
