WALLA WALLA -- Gary Lunden has been hired as the new executive director for the Community Center for Youth.

Lunden brings a strong financial and business background to the job, blended with a passion to make a difference in the lives of local youths, said Chuck Fulton, CCY board president and chief of the Walla Walla Police Department.

Lunden and his wife, Lynn, have lived in the area abut 11 years. His professional resume is weighted with experience in the financial, consulting and management fields. While perhaps a nontraditional background for a youth center director, it's one that should ultimately be a perfect fit for this one, Lunden believes.