Matt Lambert credits his wife, Nadia, with helping him decide to switch industries from banking to the Crossroads YMCA. (Photo provide by Matt Lambert)
Highland native’s servant heart leads him back to his roots
Matt Lambert was at Peoples Bank for about 16 years when he felt a tug at his heart to do something a little different.
Lambert, from Highland, who had already done a lot of volunteering for the Crossroads YMCA, recently
became its director of fund development. He said he spent his youth at Y’s and decided he wanted to give back to the
organization that helped him grow up and find success.
“I started looking into the Y as a career when I was asked to plug in the community by my manager at
Peoples Bank,” Lambert said. “I helped for about four or five years with the Y’s annual funding campaign, and I joined
the corporate board of directors.”
Lambert, who had always enjoyed the YMCA in Hammond and activities like swimming as a child, thought
working there might answer his need to reach people for God.
“My wife and I talked to our pastor, and we thought it might be a good idea to take on a new position
with the YMCA,” Lambert said.
“The decision really focused on a healthy work-life balance,” agreed wife, Nadia Lambert. “The career
move has allowed more quality time with family.”
There was only one problem. His salary as a banker was higher than as a director of fund development.
Once again, God found a way, Lambert said.
Nadia had earned a master's degree in marriage and family therapy in May 2023 and had a job offer, which she took.
Now, in the job, Lambert says he’s focusing on his financial goals for the Y. In fact, he already has
hit a few high notes with expanding financial assistance.
“My wife’s job allowed us to explore other opportunities for me,” he said. “God made it easy.”
About Matt Lambert
Company name:
Crossroads YMCA
Hometown:
Highland, currently resides in Crown Point
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana University Northwest
Hobbies:
Running, marathons, and training with Fleet Feet Running Club
Entertaining inspiration:
My favorite inspiration is actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan. He was raised in Northwest Indiana, is a family man and can land a good “Dad” joke.
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Jane Bokun is an award-winning freelance writer. She has written articles for People Magazine, AARP and Chicago Magazine. She also was the managing editor of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly (now Northwest Indiana Business Magazine) from October 2013 through January 2016. She was a content manager for KTBS - TV in Louisiana, and a reporter/editor at Gannett's USA Today Network and the Tampa Tribune.
