By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
Some might call it coincidence, others simply a shared path—but for two leaders at the Barren County YMCA, the journey from West Virginia to Barren County feels like something more than chance. CEO Tara Bailey and newly named Director of Operations Carey Bailey not only share a last name, but also a deep-rooted commitment to service and community ties—values both began building early in life and carried with them across state lines.
“After reviewing several qualified candidates, Carey’s history of leadership really made him stand out,” Tara Bailey said. “With his coaching background, he has a way to really connect with people and help them grow.”
Bailey’s early plans involved following his father into federal law enforcement, but it was a gentle push from his dad—and a well-timed call from West Virginia University football coach Don Nehlen, that sent him in a different direction. “I graduated in December and started coaching in January,” Bailey recalled. “Coach Nehlen had known me for years and gave me my start.”
That call kicked off a coaching career that spanned nearly three decades. Bailey held key defensive roles at schools including VMI, Louisiana–Lafayette, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, and Chattanooga. From 2007 to 2010, he served as head coach at Howard University, mentoring multiple All-American and All-MEAC players. His later work at Lamar University and Richmond helped elevate defensive units to top-tier conference rankings in sacks and efficiency.
He also gained professional experience through internships with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants, and went on to coach in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts and Ottawa Redblacks. But for Bailey, success was never just about the scoreboard.
“It wasn’t even on the field,” he said. “I know where every kid I ever coached is right now. I know their kids’ names, and I know they all graduated. Forget the wins and losses—that is the proudest thing I have accomplished as a coach.”
That same team-first mentality now guides his work at the YMCA. “It’s about providing a place, a space, an environment where whoever comes can get what they need,” Bailey said. “That’s what motivates me.”
Coming from the sidelines to a new field of play, Bailey is focused on building relationships and identifying areas where he can offer support. “Like any organization, there are always areas you can make better,” he said. “My main objective has just been to meet everybody and figure out what the biggest areas of concern are, and how I can help.”
While he’s still getting to know the facility and staff, Bailey is already sketching out a playbook. One of his early goals is to increase community participation. “I was telling Tara that this Y reminds me of some of the college recreational facilities I’ve been in,” he said. “I want people to come in and see what’s here.”
Bailey believes the YMCA, like a good team, should be a place where everyone has a role—no one left on the sidelines, no one warming the bench. “It may sound cliche, but I’ve heard from many of the workers that they treat each other like family,” he said. “It’s like it says in the bible ‘A house divided against itself will not stand’ so this is a good environment to be in.”
Bailey took on his new role Monday, July 7, and is not related to Tara Bailey.
