President and CEO

Characteristics & Attributes

• Christian values expressed authentically in daily life
• Uncompromising integrity, fairness, and ethical clarity
• Sound business judgment and organizational courage
• The ability to generate resources to support strategic priorities
• Strong supporter and active champion of living out our motto: Love All, Serve All
• Transparent, collaborative leadership style that builds trust
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to lead through ambiguity
• Credibility and respected presence in influential community circles
• High comfort level working across public, private, nonprofit, and faith sectors
• Understanding of technology's role in advancing mission and operations
• Commitment to continuous personal and professional growth
• Ability to communicate and connect authentically across cultures and generations
• Deep, genuine commitment to the social mission of the YMCA

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO / WHAT THE ROLE DEMANDS:
The board has defined five essential leadership domains for the incoming President & CEO. Each is grounded in the Y's cause-driven model and reflects the complexity of leading a multi-branch, community-embedded nonprofit at this scale.

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff, to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key Competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading the organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operations. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Possess the ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key Competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration

Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives towards operating with safe, relevant, and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation

Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, and a sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence

ABOUT THE YMCA of NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA
More Than 137 Years of Community Trust
Founded on October 27, 1888, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is one of the most active and respected nonprofit organizations in the region. Over thirteen decades, this Y has served as a constant — a place people turn to for support, for community, for belonging. That legacy is not a relic. It is a living mandate.

Today, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina service area includes Alleghany, Alexander, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Stokes, Wilkes, and Yadkin — with a workforce that ranges in age from 15-80. It is a financially strong organization with earned credibility in the boardrooms, neighborhoods, schools, and faith communities of the region.

137    Years Serving the Community        
13      Branches Across 8 Counties        
1,300 Employees Across the Association

The organization's programs reach deep into the community. Our impact is delivered through Summer Day Camp held throughout the association, overnight camp at YMCA Camp Hanes, the YMCA Literacy Initiative, Reaching Our Potential (a teen mental health initiative), the Achievers Program, Safety Around Water and Youth & Government. These programs connect thousands of young people to life-changing opportunities every year.

"...the YMCA is one of the most active organizations in the city. Its membership has no boundary lines. Its extension work goes into every section of the city."  — Winston-Salem Journal, 1941

That description still holds today — and it is the foundation upon which the next chapter will be written.

Our Mission
Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.

Our Vision
Thriving communities of healthy, kind, and loving people.

Our Guiding Principles:

WE BELIEVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SHOULD BE WITHIN REACH OF EVERY PERSON. Therefore, we continue our work to provide effective and accessible programs to improve a person’s overall well-being - spirit, mind, and body, while we partner with community providers to enhance our efforts. 

WE BELIEVE IN BEING SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE. Therefore, we will motivate members and volunteers to work together to make lives and communities better now and for future generations. 

WE VALUE COMMUNITY. Therefore, by bringing diverse members, staff, and volunteers together, we will serve as an example and demonstrate the benefits of connection and collaboration in our Y and across our service area. 

WE VALUE INCLUSION. Therefore, we will create an environment where all people feel welcome, safe, and valued. 

WE VALUE ACCOUNTABILITY. Therefore, we strive to build trust with staff, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders in the community.

Current Key Strategic Initiatives: 

Improve Health - Expand and deliver innovative wellness programs that improve health equity and the overall well-being of all people.

Position Youth for Success - Cultivate the health and emotional resilience of our youth so all can maximize their potential.

Elevate Inclusion and Belonging - Increase our reach and impact by removing barriers to the Y resulting in a sense of belonging for all.

Increase Capacity - Grow our resources to ensure we remain relevant, financially sustainable, and committed to meeting the changing needs of the unique communities we serve.

Locations: 
Alexander County Family YMCA  https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/alexander-county-family-ymca
Association Office  https://ymcanwnc.org/
Davie Family YMCA  https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/davie-family-ymca
Fulton Family YMCA  https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/fulton-family-ymca
Jerry Long Family YMCA https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/jerry-long-family-ymca
Kernersville Family YMCA https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/kernersville-family-ymca
Robinhood Road Family YMCA https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/robinhood-road-family-ymca
Stokes Family YMCA  https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/stokes-family-ymca
Statesville Family YMCA https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/statesville-family-ymca
Wells Fargo Express n/a 
William G. White Jr. Family YMCA https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/william-g-white-jr-family-ymca
Wilkes Family YMCA https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/wilkes-family-ymca
Wilkes Express YMCA  https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/wilkes-express-ymca
Yadkin Family YMCA  https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/yadkin-family-ymca
YMCA Camp Hanes** https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/ymca-camp-hanes
YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake https://ymcanwnc.org/locations/ymca-reach-center-winston-lake
Sports Branch (not a physical location) https://ymcanwnc.org/sports
Youth Development Branch (not a physical location) https://ymcanwnc.org/children-and-teens

Membership: 
Total Number of Members: 81,288 
Third Party Members: 19,247

Total Number of Membership Units: 44,878
Third Party Units: 18,368

Percentages per membership category:

• Teen/Young Adult (12-24) 8.5%
• Adult (25-64) 17%
• Senior (65+) 5%
• Household (Two adults plus dependents under 23) 22%
• Adult with dependents (One adult plus dependents) 5.4%
• Insurance Based Memberships (Mostly 65+) 41%

Annual Impact Fund:
2025 Total:     $2,965,180, 113% of goal

Our Philanthropic Focus:
To make a meaningful and enduring impact in our service area, we believe it is important to actively seek and receive philanthropic contributions from Y leaders, members, and participants, as well as the community served. Philanthropic gifts are essential to providing the financial resources needed to expand the reach and impact of the Y. Through building a strong philanthropic culture at our Y, leaders, members, and participants when making a gift or asking others to give, are putting Christian principles and the value of caring into practice in their own lives and setting an example for the entire community.

Our association’s culture views philanthropy as an essential part of our work at every level. Each staff member is equipped with the knowledge they need to communicate our mission-driven case for support.  

Strengthening Our Future - Current Capital Campaigns:
Robinhood Road Family YMCA:
The Robinhood Road Family YMCA Capital Campaign is in support of façade renovations to enhance our patrons’ first impressions of our highly utilized facility. This popular branch will have a more welcoming atmosphere to reflect our commitment to the community.  To better serve our growing membership, we plan to add an innovative Airnasium. This new space will provide a versatile environment for YMCA programs, fitness classes, and community events, allowing us to engage more members and foster connections.  Lastly, a parking lot expansion will help alleviate congestion and make it easier for our members to access our facilities, enhancing their overall experience.

Kernersville Family YMCA
The Kernersville Family YMCA Capital Campaign will support an expansion project to add a new outdoor airnasium, restrooms, storage space, and new t-ball fields. This new space will address the growing demand for a covered, multipurpose outdoor recreational area in the Kernersville community. It will also enable the YMCA to enhance its Sports programs, After School Care, Summer Day Camps, and Wellness and Fitness offerings for both adults and youth at the Kernersville Family YMCA. Additionally, the expansion will include the creation of more Pickleball courts for the community.

Yadkin Family YMCA
The Yadkin Family YMCA Capital Campaign will fund a renovation and 8,000 square foot expansion and renovation that includes two new group exercise studio spaces for additional class offerings, expanded and renovated childcare facilities, new turf training area, indoor/outdoor wellness area, and conference room for branch and community use.

YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake- Phase one is complete
The YMCA Reach Center at Winston Lake Capital Campaign is to support the major renovations needed to better support our community members in East Winston. These efforts will transform this aging facility into a space that will house not only traditional YMCA health and wellness elements (pool, gym, fitness center) but also collaborative educational and vocational spaces, childcare for those utilizing services, and a medical clinic, with a major local hospital partner. 

YMCA Camp Hanes
In celebration of a centennial of service, YMCA Camp Hanes is poised to embark upon a capital campaign to renovate the existing dining hall in order to accommodate all campers in one meal seating, to modernize kitchen facilities to meet the growing demands of the popular camp, and to enhance various cabin spaces. The campaign is in a feasibility study phase, with final decisions expected by fall 2026. 

Staff Team: The Y’s workforce consists of approximately 1300 full and part-time employees. 

Direct reports to the President/CEO include: 

• EVP / COO / CFO
• SVP / Chief Human Resources Officer  
• SVP / Chief Development Officer 
• VP / Branding
• VP / Community Engagement
• Executive Assistant to the President/CEO  

Governance: 30 members of the Board of Directors, with the following standing committees

• Audit
• Branding
• Finance
• Financial Development
• Human Resources
• Board Development

Financial Snapshot:
Revenue & Expenses 2026 Budget    Revenue:  $ 41,660,006
                                                     Expense:  $ 41,660,006

Required Debt Covenants Ratio        Coverage Ratio:  3.05 = Pass
                                                     Debt to Asset Ratio:   0.49 = Pass
                                                     Liquidity Ratio:   0.56 = Pass

Current Endowment                       $ 6,661,705 

Current Debt                                 $ 11,228,695 (Capital; exclusive of leases)

Undesignated Cash on Hand           $ 6,677,435 All cash less capital campaign funds

Total Liquidity (all funds)                $ 7,877,435  

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 
Winston-Salem, NC, is a highly ranked, affordable, and rapidly growing city known for its "Twin City" charm, combining rich history with a modern, innovative atmosphere. It is a top destination for families, young professionals, and retirees seeking a high quality of life with diverse amenities. Housing options range from historic West End homes, homes with acreage, and upscale downtown urban lofts. Winston-Salem is a hub for healthcare, with both Novant Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist ensuring that residents enjoy enviable health care options that cater to every phase of life.  Our region enjoys four distinct seasons, with the climate generally featuring a moderately warm spring, hot summers, a mild fall, and variable winter weather.  

Winston-Salem boasts an expansive transportation network, thanks in part to its central location in the state.  Interstate 40 runs through the city, while Interstate 77 and Interstate 74 are only minutes away. This means that residents enjoy the charm of a mid-size southern city that is only 1.5-2 hours away from larger cities of Raleigh and Charlotte.  Charlotte is the home of the NFL’s Panthers and the NBA’s Hornets, while the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes are headquartered in Raleigh.  ACC sports are at the heart of North Carolina legend, with Tobacco Road rivals UNC, Duke, NC State and Wake Forest University all playing in Winston-Salem or in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area. 

The city’s central location also allows residents to take advantage of the incredible natural beauty that has contributed to the state’s reputation as a recreational wonderland.  A 2-hour car ride to the west gives hikers the opportunity to scale mountain peaks on the Appalachian Trail or the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The beautiful beaches of North Carolina are a short 3.25-hour trip to the east.  An extensive state park system entices outdoors enthusiasts with opportunities to hike and bike as well as enjoy water sports.  Snow skiing is a favorite pastime of many Winston residents, since Banner Elk’s and Beech Mountain’s slopes are within a 2-hour drive. 

The presence of widely regarded institutions of higher learning sets Winston-Salem apart from many cities of similar size.   Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State-a top-ranking HBCU, Salem College-the country’s oldest women’s college, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts all offer incredible opportunities to local residents. Known as “The City of Arts & Innovation,” Winston-Salem is also home to the National Black Theatre Festival, RiverRun Film Festival, Old Salem Historic District, and Reynolda House Museum and Gardens.  

Winston-Salem offers the perfect blend of great restaurants, bars, and breweries within its easily walkable downtown.  There’s something to suit every palate, from family-owned casual restaurants to upscale fine dining.  Additionally, Winston-Salem is the gateway to the Yadkin Valley Wine Country region, which features more than 70 wineries within a short drive of the city.

Winston-Salem is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking to enjoy an active lifestyle in a city that offers stability, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a thriving quality of life for all its residents.  It is the perfect home base for the next leader of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina to establish great relationships, put down real roots, impact lives for the better, and partner with the region’s most influential nonprofit to “help all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind and body.”

Information Sites:
YMCA Website: ymcanwnc.org
Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winstonsalem.com/

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA
Salary Range: $ 275,000-325,000
A Competitive, Mission-Aligned Package

The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina offers compensation commensurate with the scope of this role and the successful candidate's accomplishments and experience. Benefits include:

• Retirement  12% employer contribution, fully paid by the YMCA
• Health Benefits  Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Additional Benefits  Vacation plan and additional benefits per employee policy

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required

The Leader We're Seeking
We are looking for a leader who has done hard things in complex environments — and done them with integrity. Someone who builds trust before they build strategy. Someone who understands that in a community organization, credibility is earned in person, one relationship at a time.

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES

• Resumes accepted through: June 12th
• Preliminary in-person interviews scheduled: July 16 & 17
• Final In-person interviews: August 24 & 25
• New CEO on board (anticipated): October

*Dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification
Candidates should submit a complete application online. To be considered, the following materials are required:

• A current, comprehensive resume
• A tailored cover letter that speaks directly to this role and the YMCA's mission
• Four professional references and two personal references — references will be contacted only for final-stage candidates

Candidates must apply via the following website: 
https://tinyurl.com/YMCA-NWNC-CEO

QUESTIONS 

About the Search Process?
 
Sandy Morander    
Director CEO Search
[email protected]
210-284-5593

About the YMCA?

Paige Hughes Binfield
President & Chief Executive Officer
NORTH CAROLINA ALLIANCE OF YMCAS 
[email protected]
518-572-4540