South Sound YMCA - President & CEO

The South Sound YMCA is an established, financially strong association poised for meaningful growth, serving Thurston and Mason counties for over 120 years. The next President and Chief Executive Officer will lead from a position of strength while shaping an ambitious vision for the future, expanding the Y’s regional reach, elevating its visibility, and ensuring programs and facilities remain relevant and accessible.

About the role

The Board seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking executive with strategic vision, operational discipline, and strong relationship-building skills to unite staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners. This role offers a compelling platform to make a lasting impact on a thriving organization and growing region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic plan in collaboration with volunteers, community leaders, and staff, including defined strategies, implementation plans, and measurable goals.
• Position the Y as a vital partner for community change by serving as an ambassador for its mission, cultivating relationships with diverse stakeholders, and upholding the Y’s values.
• Build and lead staff by implementing a talent development system, hiring and motivating teams, fostering a culture of camaraderie and mission-driven purpose, and creating a learning organization.
• Improve operating performance by developing annual tactical plans, addressing issues proactively, forecasting future needs, and ensuring safe, relevant, and sustainable practices.
• Use high-level financial analysis to forecast trends, maintain balanced or surplus operations, guide department leaders, and implement stewardship strategies.

About the South Sound YMCA

The South Sound YMCA has served Thurston and Mason counties for over 120 years, providing welcoming spaces and high-impact programs that nurture youth, improve health and wellbeing, strengthen families, and foster connections. Programs include facility membership, aquatics, youth sports, school-age childcare, camps, teen leadership, and financial assistance.

The association operates three branches—Briggs Community YMCA and Plum Street YMCA in Olympia, and Shelton Family YMCA in Mason County—alongside an Association Office. A fourth branch is in development in Lacey, with childcare delivered at 28 school sites.

Mission and Values

Mission: To provide youth and the community an affordable and accessible resource for the positive development of spirit, mind, and body through recreational, health, and leadership programs.

Cause & Values: To strengthen community foundations and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Culture: The Y Experience

• Welcoming: Open to all, fostering belonging and connection.
• Genuine: Valuing individuality and embracing authenticity.
• Hopeful: Believing in the potential of individuals to create positive change.
• Nurturing: Supporting personal growth and self-improvement.
• Determined: Committed to strengthening community, starting with each individual.

Raising the BAR Initiative: A framework focused on Belonging, Achievement, and Relationships to enhance connections, growth, and meaningful experiences for staff, members, and communities.

Strategic Initiatives

• Advance planning and development for a future YMCA branch in Lacey and expand access in north Thurston County.
• Sustain strong membership performance while deepening engagement and retention across all branches.
• Strengthen school-age childcare enrollment, staffing, and long-term sustainability.
• Grow philanthropy, partnerships, and community support to increase access and fund mission impact.
• Build an anti-racist, multicultural organization where equity, justice, and belonging are reflected in systems, culture, and service.

Branch Information

• Briggs Community YMCA: The largest full-service branch, offering aquatics, health and wellness, group exercise, and youth sports.
• Plum Street YMCA: A community wellness center providing fitness, health programs, and group exercise.
• Shelton Family YMCA: The primary presence in Mason County, offering aquatics, fitness, youth and family programming.
• Future Lacey Branch: In development to expand access to YMCA programs and services in the growing Lacey area.
• Association Office: The central hub supporting branches, youth development, community engagement, financial operations, and strategy.

Core Programs

• Facility Membership
• Aquatics and Swim Lessons
• School-Age Child Care and Camps
• Youth Sports and Monthly Youth Experiences
• Teen Programs and Youth & Government
• Health and Wellbeing Programs

Financial Overview

• Annual Support Campaign: Current goal: $450,000 (prior year total: $410,000; current progress: $319,000).
• Financial Assistance: $950,000 in assistance and free programming provided in the prior year.
• Recent Capital Campaign: Raised approximately $13 million in 13 months for the Shelton Family YMCA.
• Annual Budget: $13,617,890.
• Current Debt: $5,014,660 (as of December 31, 2025).
• Endowment/Board-Designated Funds: $5,438,935.
• Operating Change in Net Assets: 2025: $1,491,494; 2024: $749,213; 2023: $816,750.

Leadership and Governance

• CEO Direct Reports: Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director of Youth Development, Executive Director of Community Engagement, Executive Director of Advancement, Executive Director of Branch Operations.
• Board of Trustees: 17 members with standing committees: Social Justice, Finance, Philanthropy, Marketing/Communications, Governance, Executive.

About the Community

The South Sound region offers an exceptional quality of life, blending the energy of a growing area with the character and accessibility of smaller communities. Located at the southern end of Puget Sound, the region is surrounded by forests, waterways, and mountains, providing year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.

Olympia and Thurston County

Olympia, Washington’s capital, serves as the region’s center for government, commerce, and culture. The city features a walkable downtown, active waterfront, locally owned businesses, arts, music, and a strong civic culture. Surrounding communities like Lacey and Tumwater offer growing neighborhoods, schools, healthcare, and family-friendly amenities. Continued growth is increasing demand for accessible childcare, youth development, health, and wellness services.

Shelton and Mason County

Mason County expands the Y’s service area into rural and small-town communities. Shelton serves as the county’s primary hub for employment, education, and services. The region includes forested areas, working waterfronts, and agricultural communities, with the YMCA playing a key role as a gathering place and community connector.