President and Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

Join us in shaping the future of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA and fostering a sense of belonging, personal growth, and social responsibility within our communities. This is an opportunity to lead an organization that has a lasting positive impact on individuals and families, supporting them in their journey to reach their full potential. If you are a motivated and visionary leader ready to take on this transformative role, we invite you to apply to be a driving force in our mission of building a better, healthier future for all.

Our Mission

To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our Vision

The Y’s commitment to America is developing new generations of changemakers who will create communities we all want to live in. We envision communities where all people achieve health, gain confidence, make connections and feel secure at every stage of life.

Our Focus

Youth Development – We believe that every child has great potential and should be given the opportunity and guidance to reach it.

Healthy Living – We believe that a healthy life is achieved by actively striving for spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

Social Responsibility – We believe that the Y has been given the honor, resources, and responsibility to strengthen the foundations of community and family.

Our Core Values

Respect – Treat each other as we’d all like to be treated

Responsibility – Be accountable for your promises and action

Caring – Show a sincere concern for others

Honesty – Be truthful in what you say and do

Position Description

Under the general guidance of the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will provide the leadership and management required to fulfill the mission of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA which is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. They will do this by continually developing, implementing, and evaluating all aspects of the Y’s Real–Time Strategic Plan with a special focus on expanding the Y’s impact through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The President & CEO will also oversee the growth and improvement in the Y’s capacity to serve including membership development, human resources, property development, fundraising, financial management, and marketing, communication, and member feedback. They will directly supervise the Sr. V.P. & Chief Operating Officer, Sr. V.P. and Chief Financial Officer, V.P. - Bridgeport Ys, Director of Development, Director of Marketing & Communications, and Director of Property Management. The President & CEO serves as the Flagbearer for the Y attending various events in the greater Bridgeport, New Haven, and Valley communities actively cultivating the interest, goodwill, and support of civic, business, industrial, government, educational, and religious leaders. They serve as the Y’s chief spokesperson while demonstrating passion and enthusiasm for the mission of the YMCA.

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA Facts 

With an operating budget of $27M and a housing budget of $3M, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA (CCCY) is a YMCA North American Network Y (one of the 70 largest Ys in North America) and it delivers a full-range of youth development, healthy lifestyle, and aquatic programs at our 5 full-facility branches and 2 youth centers in the Greater Bridgeport and New Haven areas, as well as at our resident camp in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Through our Alpha Community Services branch, we lead the way in affordable supportive housing initiatives in Bridgeport and New Haven.

Full-Facility Family & Adult Membership Units

2019   5,829

2020   2,689 (COVID closure 13 weeks)

2021   3,044

2022   3,306

Number of Youth Served

2019   25,780

2020   18,869

2021    19,394 (1,906 low income)

2022   33,243 (3,021 low income)

Alpha Community Services YMCA

Shore Area Community Development Corporation Inc. (SACDC) is a single-member entity, wholly owned by the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA (CCCY). It was created in 1994 to ensure affordable quality housing by improving the social and economic stability of neighborhoods, and by expanding locally-based community development efforts in the Greater Bridgeport Region and New Haven County. SACDC has acted as the development arm of the CCCY by assisting in the acquisition and development of affordable housing projects. In March 2003, SACDC merged with Alpha Home Inc. (AHI) thereby creating a new branch of the CCCY aptly named Alpha Community Services YMCA (ACSY). With two distinct divisions of service represented by separate 501(c)3 designations, AHI (social services) and SACDC (real estate/housing development) support communities by serving individuals and families in need of emergency shelter and supportive/affordable housing.

• YMCA Brooks Street Shelter served 43 households - 29 have been housed successfully in the community, 14 were still in the shelter at 2022 year’s end
• 982 scheduled Coordinated Access Network (CAN) Appointments with Alpha Community Services YMCA in 2022
• 27 households have moved out of YMCA Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs into their own housing in the community
• 66 new individuals entered YMCA Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Properties 
• 162 children were served across our PSH and Shelter Programs
• Since January 2022, we have served a total of 22,975 meals across our Programs (PSH, Family Shelter, SECC)
• Since its opening on November 1, 2022, we have served 81 clients at the Southend Community Center, by the end of January 2023
• Supportive Services to over 400 clients per year through Permanent Supportive Housing

Bridgeport YMCA

The Bridgeport YMCA was founded in 1883, and the current building was constructed in 1929 on approximately two acres of land (Zoned: RX2 Residential-Office Centers). A full renovation was completed in 2000, and the 35,000 square foot building includes several multi-purpose rooms, an aquatic center, gymnasium and indoor running track, two racquetball courts, two school readiness/child care centers, locker rooms (steam, sauna, whirlpool in men’s locker room), administrative offices, and 68 parking spaces. The Bridgeport Y operations are currently limited to childcare and aquatics. The Bridgeport YMCA is connected to the Alpha Community Services YMCA Harrison Apartment Building (50,000 square feet, approx. 100 apartments). This building has been an adult residence since 1929. Residents are supported by on-site ACSY case managers. 

The Bridgeport YMCA offers before and after-school programming serving nine elementary schools through the City of Bridgeport’s Lighthouse Program. Additionally, the Bridgeport YMCA offers school readiness and child care programs at the main branch building and at the Kolbe Education Center that was established in 2004. The Kolbe Education Center is owned by the CCCY and includes 71,000 square feet of space that is shared with the Bridge Academy Charter School under a separate management agreement. The Ralphola Taylor Community Center is owned by the City of Bridgeport and includes 20,000 square feet of space that is utilized for after-school programs including a Lighthouse program, day camping programs, youth sports programs, and a variety of other programs and services. The City of Bridgeport provides the facility to the Y under a rent-free lease. The South-End Community Center is owned by the City of Bridgeport and includes 10,000 square feet of space utilized for YMCA day camping programs, emergency homelessness shelter and warming center (November 15 – April 15), and houses several Alpha CSY administrative offices. The City of Bridgeport provides the facility to the Y under a rent-free lease. 

Fairfield YMCA

The Fairfield YMCA was founded in 1953 and the current building was constructed in 1965. The facility is 22,600 square feet in size and is located on three acres of land (Zoning: R-3 Residential with Old Post Rd. Historic Overlay). The Fairfield YMCA facility includes an expanded and updated wellness center (cardiovascular exercise equipment, selectorized strength training equipment, free weight training equipment), a functional fitness and spinning center, aquatic center, child watch center, child care centers, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, and administrative offices. The branch provides before and after-school programming serving nine elementary schools and three middle schools at the branch.

Hamden/North Haven YMCA

The Hamden/North Haven YMCA was founded in 1953, and currently operates as a non-facility branch (Y Without Walls - lease or use, at no charge, other properties to provide programs and services including schools, churches, or other not-for-profits). The branch provides before and after-school programming serving four elementary schools in Hamden.

Since 1971, Y programs and services were offered at a 24,000 square foot facility located on six acres of land in Hamden, CT (Zoned: R-3 Residential – Indoor Recreation). In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and declining condition and use of the facility, the decision was made in June 2019 to sell the property at 1605 Sherman Ave., Hamden (sale completed August 2023).

YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel was acquired in 1965 and is a traditional outdoor center located on 32 acres of land in northern Hamden (Zoned: R-2 NON P RECRM94). The camp includes two outdoor pools, a bathhouse, two pavilions, a ropes course, playground, several three-sided structures, playing fields, and is used to support the Y’s day camping program involving 150-200 children over eight to ten weeks each summer. The Keefe Community Center, located near the Hamden/New Haven border, is owned by the Town of Hamden who has offered the majority of the center to the Y thereby allowing the Y to offer after-school programs for elementary and middle school age youth.

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock was founded in 1948 when 1,000 acres of land and several hunting lodge structures were purchased in Mt. Washington, MA. The camp rests next to Plantain Pond (a lake supporting swimming, boating, skiing, sailing, etc.) and includes eighty structures (64,000 square feet of indoor space) accessed by a 1.5-mile roadway on the camp property. In 2004, the majority of the camp land was sold to the Nature Conservancy with a 99-year lease-back bringing much needed funds for improvements and assuring that YMCA Camp Hi-Rock would have a home for years to come. Included on the property is a new main lodge (Parker Seeley Lodge), Bear Rock Lodge (self-contained camp at the far end of Plantain Pond), arts/crafts lodge, dining hall, infirmary, lake-side lodge (water craft storage), tennis/basketball courts, playing fields, hi/low ropes course, hiking trails, camper cabins and three-sided structures, and staff cabins. The camp also owns and operates its own water treatment plant that it was required to build in 2004. The most recent capital campaign completed in 2015 raised $1.5M that was used to build the new Parker Seeley Lodge that opened in 2015. A capital campaign was launched in 2019 to raise $3M to complete priorities including a renovated and expanded dining hall, camper cabins, and staff homes. YMCA Camp Hi-Rock provides resident, day, group, and family camping to children and families through the northeast. The camp is also proud of its international flavor welcoming campers and counselors from around the world. By agreement with the Nature Conservancy, YMCA Camp Hi-Rock may have up to 700 individuals on site for overnight stays at any one time. By agreement with the Town of Mt. Washington, the current bed count at camp is 648. Allowances decrease during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA

The Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA was founded in 1955 and purchased the YMCA Outdoor Center in 1959. The Outdoor Center, (Camp Tepee) is located on 47 acres (Zoned: IL-2 Industrial Zone 2) and includes three outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, ropes course, pavilions, miniature golf, a small lake supporting boating, a 4,500 square foot operations center (Manor House), and 90 parking spaces. The Outdoor Center supports a large summer day camp and family swim/recreation program. Programs and services, other than those offered at the Outdoor Center, were consolidated at the Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA on Trefoil Drive in 2000. $1.4M was initially invested in the 27,000 square foot Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA that is leased through 2028. The Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA includes a large gymnastics center, wellness center (cardiovascular exercise equipment, selectorized strength training equipment, free weight training equipment), spinning center, small gymnasium, child watch center, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, administrative offices, and 86 parking spaces. The branch provides before and after-school programming serving 5 elementary schools in Monroe (three sites at Monroe schools) and Trumbull (two schools where students are transported to the Y).

New Haven YMCA Youth Center

The New Haven YMCA was founded in 1859 and the current building was constructed in 1929 on approximately 2 acres (Zoned: BD-1 Central Business/Residential). A full renovation of the New Haven YMCA and the residences was completed in 1994 when the New Haven YMCA became the New Haven YMCA Youth Center. The 35,000 square foot New Haven YMCA Youth Center now includes two school-readiness/child care centers, after-school center, aquatic center (renovated and re-dedicated in 2003), two gymnasiums, kitchen, locker rooms, and administrative offices. The New Haven YMCA Youth Center is attached to the West Village Apartment Building (72,000 square feet under separate management) – the original men’s residence built in 1929 – and the CCCY Association Office (10,000 square feet). A full renovation to the exterior of the facility and the interior of the West Village Apartments (reducing the number of apartments from 149 to 127) was completed in 2014 when the three entities (Y Youth Center, Y Association Office, and West Village Apartments) were organized into condominiums. An additional interior renovation was completed at the New Haven Y Youth Center in 2017 including air-conditioning of program spaces, renovation of the male and female locker rooms, and re-construction of the outdoor stairs leading to the center. The branch provides before and after-school programming serving twelve elementary schools at the branch.

Soundview Family YMCA

The Soundview Family YMCA was founded in the 1980s, and the current building was constructed in 2010. The facility is 34,300 square feet in size and is located on 24 acres (10 usable) of land (Zoned: IG-2 General Industrial 2). The Soundview Family YMCA facility includes two aquatic centers (warm water and competition), wellness center (cardiovascular exercise equipment and selectorized strength training equipment), free weight training center, spinning studio, child watch center, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, family locker rooms, administrative offices, and 200 parking spaces. Renovations completed in 2017 included expansion of the Wellness Center, Spinning Studio, Child Watch, and parking lot, as well as the addition of a three-story climbing center for youth and an outdoor basketball center. The branch provides before and after-school programming serving 4 elementary schools at the branch. Through a new relationship with the Town of East Haven, the Soundview Family YMCA was invited to offer youth programming at the Vernon Hays School. Y program offerings at Hays include summer day camp and before and after-school care.

Stratford YMCA

The Stratford YMCA was founded in 1962 and the current building was constructed in 1965. The facility is 14,000 square feet in size and is located on 3 acres of land (Zoned: RS-4 Single Family Residential). The Stratford YMCA facility includes an aquatic center, updated wellness centers (cardiovascular exercise equipment, selectorized strength training equipment) child care center, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, administrative offices, and 65 parking spaces. The branch provides before and after-school programming serving eight elementary schools in Stratford. The development process to replace the Stratford YMCA is underway. The CCCY purchased two properties directly in front of the Stratford YMCA on Main St. in 2020 thereby creating great sightlines and a larger campus for a new Y facility. A capital campaign is currently in the feasibility phase.

Valley YMCA

The Valley YMCA was founded in 1866, and currently operates as a non-facility branch (Y Without Walls - lease or use, at no charge, other properties to provide programs and services including schools, churches, or other not-for-profits). The branch provides before and after-school programming serving five elementary schools in Ansonia, and a summer day camp program offered at the Valley YMCA at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia, CT. The Valley YMCA also provides school readiness and child care programs at a center that was developed in partnership with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Ansonia. The Valley Y Child Care Center was established in 2010 and includes 10,000 square feet of leased space serving forty children.

Since 1924, Y programs and services were offered at a 39,000 square foot facility located on two acres of land in Ansonia, CT. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and declining condition and use of the facility, the decision was made in June, 2019 to sell the property at 12 State St., Ansonia, CT. A buyer was identified, and the property was sold on September 24, 2021.

Woodruff Family YMCA

The Woodruff Family YMCA was founded in 1954 as a day camp site and 75% of the current building was constructed in 2004. The facility is 34,000 square feet in size and is located on 25 acres (Zoned: RA One Family Residential). The Woodruff Family YMCA completed full renovations in 2016 and now includes an aquatic center, wellness center (cardiovascular exercise equipment, selectorized strength training equipment, functional fitness and free weight training equipment), spinning studio, child care centers, a child watch center, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, family locker rooms, administrative offices, and 212 parking spaces. The branch provides before and after-school programming serving seven elementary schools in Milford and Orange.

Visit our website for more branch details: https://cccymca.org/locations/. 

Our Team

As of August 2023, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA consists of approximately 1,323 team members: 56 FT exempt, 86 FT non-exempt, 737 PT, and 444 seasonal. Our team demographics are as follows:

Female: 63.3%

Male: 33.1%

Unidentified/Undisclosed: 3.60%

American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.20%

Asian: 1.80%

Black or African American: 11.4%

Hispanic or Latino: 15.9%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 0.20%

Two or More Races: 2.90%

White: 60.5%

Undisclosed: 7.10%

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is an inclusive organization open to all. The Y believes that in a diverse world we are stronger when we are inclusive, when our doors are open to all, and when everyone has an equitable opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. At the Y, we set the example when we welcome people across all dimensions of diversity. Dimensions include income, faith, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, cultural background or other unique personal characteristics. Together we stand. For a better us.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA adopted a Real-Time Strategic Plan (RTSP) in Janaury 2012 with improvements made every year at the March Board Retreat. Unlike more traditional or static strategic plans that focus on program implementation over a period of time (3 or 5 years), a Real-Time Strategic Plan establishes high-level strategic priorities (i.e. closing the education achievement gap) and then engages the organization in a continual pattern of thinking, acting, and evaluating. Through this system, highly effective programs and services receive organizational resources and support, while ineffective programs are eliminated.

The Y strengthens the foundations of communities and families through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Youth Development

• The Y will attract and engage youth in programs and activities that build character.
• The Y will close the education achievement gap.
• The Y will teach youth how to be safe around the water by age twelve.
• The will expand youth programming and services in Hamden, North Haven, and the Valley communities using the Y Without Walls concept where programs and services are offered using properties owned by other entities.

Healthy Living

• The Y will strengthen all dimensions of wellness (Spirit, Mind, and Body).
• The Y will reduce youth and adult obesity.
• The Y will prevent the onset of chronic disease.

Social Responsibility

• The Y and its partners will continually reduce chronic homelessness. 
• The Y will meet immediate human needs by addressing hunger and food insecurity.
• The Y will address local human needs by creating and participating in community outreach programs.
• The Y will strengthen families by being a source and a resource for affordable programs and services.
• The Y will adopt best practices that will improve the environment, reduce our dependency on fossil-fuel based energy, and reduce our impact on climate change.

Please visit our website to view our 2022 Community Impact Report for statistics and details on how we are achieving our promise to strengthen communities and families: 

Membership

• Total Number of Members: 17,659
• Total Number of Membership Units: 8,966
• Youth: 41.6%
• Adults: 58.4%
• Household: 61.2%
• Senior: 15.4%

Annual Campaign

• Prior Year’s Total: $1,516,950
• Current Year’s Goal: $1,405,000
• Current Year’s Amount raised as of July 31: $838,321

Previous Year’s Campaign Impact

• Total number of people receiving financial assistance (scholarship): 9,263
• Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship): $2,987,284

Capital Campaign(s)

• YMCA Camp Hi Rock; $3 million dollar goal, $2,013,300 to date
• Stratford YMCA; currently in feasibility phase

Financial

• 2023 Revenue Budget = $26,983,000
• Debt as of June 30 = $3,856,000
• Endowment as of March 31 = $9,985,000
• 3-year pattern of annual surplus/deficit
• 2022 = $2,033,000 includes $2M PPP2 grant
• 2021 = $8,119,000 includes $3.17 PPP grant and $5.042M ERTC
• 2020 = ($3,883,000) deficit/negative net to $0 budget 

Population & Demographics

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA serves portions of Fairfield and New Haven Counties with a population of 850,000 including twenty-five towns and cities (Bridgeport and New Haven). Some suburban towns are 85% Caucasian and have median household incomes of $150,000. Bridgeport and New Haven include strong minority communities where 50-75 different languages are spoken. Median household income in Bridgeport and New Haven is $50,000. Our service area is a true example of the “two Connecticuts” with people of great wealth living just a few miles from neighborhoods where many are living in poverty.

About Our Area

There is no place quite like the Central Shoreline of Connecticut. Nestled along I-95 midway we are located 1.25 hours from New York and 3 hours from Boston. Whether you are seeking adventure, a chance to explore the early history of our country, a fine dining and shopping experience, or some serious relaxation our region has it all and more including:

• Music and the Arts: International Festival of the Arts & Ideas, the Shubert Theater, the College Street Music Hall, Woolsey Hall and Long Wharf Theater, just to name a few.
• Museums
• Beautiful hiking and biking trails
• Historic town greens and homes
• Beaches
• Fabulous restaurants
• Microbreweries and wineries
• Quaint and elegant lodgings
• Golf courses
• Local farms with seasonal pick-your-own opportunities
• One-of-a-kind boutiques for shopping
• Universities & Colleges: Yale, University of New Haven, Southern CT State University, the University of Bridgeport, Albertus Magnus College, etc.

Our service area includes many affordable towns with great school systems and choices. This is a great place to raise a family. The greater Bridgeport area includes wonderful arts and cultural opportunities in addition to the many activities offered through area Universities. We. There are beaches, access to college and professional sports, and diverse towns and neighborhoods. The recreational opportunities in Connecticut and New England are fantastic!

The Greater New Haven area is very rich in assets. There is an abundance of arts and culture, including fine restaurants, stunning architecture, world-class museums, theatre, eclectic boutiques and bookstores, all within walking distance. South Central Connecticut benefits from its proximity to the world-class New York metro area, while retaining the charm and heritage of New England.

Service and financial industries continue on a steady course, with an emphasis on banking and communications companies.  Regional institutions, including hospitals, health care, higher education, and social service agencies are more connected than ever to the community’s well being. These institutions cooperate to form a web of services, with life-long education offerings, contributions to housing and home ownership, and access to economic opportunity for all.  

There is a growing trend to preserve and restore architectural and historical treasures and to set aside tracts of open space as natural resources. Many of the suburban towns around New Haven are updating their comprehensive plans of development to maintain their character while encouraging a strong business base.

For more information about our area visit these websites: Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council.