Tampa, Fla. — In an emotional moment, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. Board Chair and Georgia State Rep. Teddy Reese thanked Jay Snyder for his service and his friendship. Sharing personal stories of their time working together, Reese announced that Snyder will be completing his term after 20 years of service as a YAP Board member. The announcement came during a dinner in Tampa, Fla., where the YAP Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting this month.
YAP is a national nonprofit in 34 states and Washington, D.C. that partners with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and other systems to provide community-based alternatives to youth incarceration and congregate residential placements. In recent years, YAP has also implemented public safety initiatives in partnership with local governments to help curb neighborhood violence.
Snyder began his YAP board service in 2003. A U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, he had a 20-year career in Pennsylvania state government, that included positions with the Governor’s office, Department of Community Affairs, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and the Department of Welfare. He also served as Pennsylvania Commissioner for the Blind, President of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and President of the National Council of State Agencies of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Snyder is perhaps best known for his work as an umpire at the U.S. Open, Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. He also served as the United States Tennis Association Director of Officials, Chief Umpire for the U.S. Open Championships and Director of the U.S. Open.
In 2017, Snyder lost the love of his life, Jeanne, who was his pen pal when he was in Vietnam and became his girlfriend when he came home. Her death came two weeks after the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna.
Learn more about YAP at yapinc.org and follow the organization on Twitter @YAPInc.