People - Folks

Nilas-Anthony ‘Tony' Manley

- Josh Smith Photo.

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Place of Residence: Spokane
Occupation: Association Volunteer Coordinator at the YMCA of the Inland Northwest

Nilas-Anthony "Tony" Manley first arrived in Spokane in 1984 as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He left Spokane several years later but returned in 1993. After his retirement from the Air Force in 2000, he began working with the YMCA of the Inland Northwest.

Today, he coordinates the YMCA's more than 1,000 volunteers who serve the organization as youth sports coaches, camp counselors, and at its three Spokane-area facilities. Prior that role, he was the director of the YMCA's north side facility.

While in the military, Manley served in countries like Somalia, Panama, and Iraq. While he had a desire to help people there, his assignment in operations rather than human services, prevented direct involvement. When he returned home and saw people here experiencing the same problems, however, he felt he could do something about it.

"You're only there for three months and you can't make a difference, but when you come home and see the same things, you can make a difference," he says. "When you give and you can see the results of what you've offered, it gives a sense of self satisfaction and increases self awareness and helps the community."

In addition to his work with the YMCA, Manley has been involved with local arts organizations, the Rotary Club, and has served as a Greater Spokane Incorporated Ambassador.

"Having traveled through most of the continental United States, numerous cities and countries, I have seen and experienced things very few have or ever will," he says. "I refer to Spokane as ‘God's Country.' … The beauty, serenity, attitude and acceptance of its residents, is literally a breath of fresh air. ‘Near nature, near perfect' has a different meaning to those who live here, and when I am gone, I often click my heels together and recite, ‘There's no place like home.'"