YMCA of the High Country - CEO

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to lead a growing, community-centered YMCA serving Avery and Mitchell counties in the mountains of western North Carolina. The Association is entering an important new chapter following the 2025 opening of the A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County and the addition of new youth and early-learning facilities in Avery County. The next President/CEO will build on this expansion by bringing the Association together around a clear vision, strengthening long-term financial sustainability, and deepening the Y’s impact across two rural counties.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the senior leadership team, Board of Directors, branch leaders, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to guide the Association through this period of transition and growth.
• Lead the development and implementation of a forward-looking strategic plan.
• Strengthen coordination across the Association and ensure programs remain relevant, high quality, and financially sustainable.
• Cultivate strong relationships with members, staff, donors, local governments, schools, healthcare providers, foundations, and other nonprofit partners.
• Strengthen the Association’s brand and community presence, balancing the distinct needs of each county with the priorities of one unified Association.
• Maintain strong financial stewardship while expanding earned revenue, philanthropy, partnerships, and mission impact.

Key Skills and Abilities

• Fiscal Management: Forecast financial trends, grow earned revenue and contributions, control costs, and guide staff leaders to achieve successful financial operations.
• Strategic Planning: Work with volunteers, community leaders, and staff to implement the organization’s strategic plan with defined strategies, deliverables, and measurable goals.
• Operating Performance: Develop annual tactical plans, address issues, forecast needs, and manage operations effectively.
• Fundraising: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan to establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit, engaging members, volunteers, staff, and donors.
• Community Leadership: Serve as an ambassador for the YMCA’s mission, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and positioning the Y as a vital partner for community change.
• Staff Leadership: Build and lead a talent development system, hiring, motivating, and retaining staff while fostering a culture of camaraderie and mission-driven purpose.

About YMCA of the High Country

YMCA of the High Country is a charitable, community-based organization serving children, families, adults, and older adults across Avery and Mitchell counties. Through two full-service branches and additional program sites, the Y provides welcoming places and programs that support health, belonging, learning, safety, and connection. The Association’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our Impact

• Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of children and teens through early learning, afterschool, summer camp, aquatics, athletics, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities.
• Healthy Living: Improving individual and community well-being through fitness, wellness, aquatics, evidence-based health interventions, and community outreach.
• Social Responsibility: Strengthening communities through partnerships, volunteerism, food access, financial assistance, and programs that respond to local needs.

Our Culture and Guiding Principles

• We Are One Association: Working as one team across branches, departments, and counties while respecting the strengths and needs of each community.
• We Live Our Values: Caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith guide our service and stewardship.
• We Lead with Purpose: Keeping the mission at the center of decisions and focusing on programs and partnerships that create meaningful, measurable impact.
• We Welcome All and Build Belonging: Creating safe, inclusive, relationship-centered environments where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.

Current Strategic Priorities

• Strengthening Financial Sustainability
• Integrating a Two-County Association
• Expanding Youth and Family Impact
• Advancing Community Health and Connection

Membership and Facilities

Total Members: 8,897 (4,343 Units)

Key Facilities:

• Williams YMCA of Avery County (Linville, NC)
• A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County (Spruce Pine, NC)
• Blackburn Athletic Facility (Linville, NC)
• O’Connell Field House (Linville, NC)
• Avery Youth Center (Avery County, NC)
• Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center (Avery County, NC)

Financial Snapshot

• 2026 Budget: $6,081,500
• Long-Term Debt: $1.2 million
• Endowment: $415,000
• Reserve Account: $350,000

About Our Community

Avery and Mitchell counties offer an exceptional quality of life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, combining close-knit small towns, strong civic pride, and year-round outdoor recreation.