Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned and mission-driven leader to make a profound impact within one of the most vibrant YMCA associations in Florida. The First Coast YMCA serves a growing and diverse community across Northeast Florida, helping all people reach their full potential in spirit, mind, and body.

The President and CEO provides visionary and strategic leadership to the YMCA of Florida's First Coast ensuring its continued mission impact, operational excellence, community relevance and financial sustainability. As the face of the organization, this leader will collaboratively partner closely with the Board of Directors, staff, philanthropic partners and community leaders to strengthen the YMCA's presence and legacy throughout the First Coast region advancing the Y's role as a trusted leader in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Our CEO will inspire and empower a dedicated staff team and volunteer network, fostering a culture grounded in the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. A top priority will be ensuring the safety, well-being, and belonging of all individuals—especially children and families—through the highest standards of operational excellence and compliance.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, community-minded leader with demonstrated success in organizational growth, financial stewardship, and partnership cultivation. This individual will possess:

• Humility. With high emotional intelligence that fosters respect, and productive collaboration.
• Integrity. A reputation for aligning words, decisions, and actions with organizational values.
• Vision. Strategic insight to anticipate trends, adapt to changing needs, and guide long-term success.
• Executive Presence. Credibility and communication skills that engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Influence. Ability to build alignment, shape decisions, and lead effectively in complex environments.
• Service. A demonstrated commitment to community leadership and volunteer engagement.
• Engagement. A collaborative leadership approach that strengthens relationships and unites stakeholders.
• Executive Leadership. Successful experience within complex, mission-driven organizations.
• Operational Excellence. A track record of delivering measurable outcomes through strategic focus and innovation.

With an engaged Board of Directors and a passionate staff team, the First Coast YMCA offers a dynamic platform for a leader who is ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands across the region.

About The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast  
The First Coast YMCA is one of the region’s most respected and impactful nonprofit organizations, dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community across Northeast Florida. With a legacy that spans nearly 120 years, the First Coast Y has been a driving force for positive change—where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and belong to something greater than themselves. The Y is always evolving to meet the changing needs of the community while staying true to its core mission—to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Serving more than 200,000 individuals and families each year, the First Coast YMCA operates more than a dozen membership facilities, a resident camp, a charter school, and an extensive network of youth development, wellness, and outreach programs. These initiatives range from afterschool care to chronic disease prevention, quality family time, senior engagement, workforce wellness, and partnerships that address social responsibility and community well-being.

The Y’s reach extends beyond its walls, empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether through swim lessons that save lives, mentorship programs that build confidence, or fitness experiences that foster lifelong wellness, the First Coast YMCA is a trusted community partner and a vital connector across neighborhoods.
            
Our Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Membership: 

Total Number of Members: 72,162 (17,021 Third Party, 3,194 Military)
Total Number of Membership Units: 41,549 
(includes 9,996 in 3rd party reimbursement, i.e., Silver Sneakers)

• Teen - 6%
• Young Adult 7%
• Adult 23%
• Household 55%
• Senior 9%

Branch/Facility Information

Baker County YMCA – 136 West Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 | 904.740.9622
Barco-Newton Family YMCA – 2075 Town Center Boulevard, Fleming Island, FL 32003 | 904.278.9622
Brooks Family YMCA – 10423 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | 904.854.2000
Brown Family YMCA – 170 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 | 904.543.9622
Dye Clay Family YMCA – 3322 Moody Ave., Orange Park, FL 32065 | 904.272.4304
Flagler Health+ Village YMCA (Murabella) – 120 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 | 904.494.9622
Johnson Family YMCA – 5700 Cleveland Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32209 | 904.765.3589
McArthur Family YMCA – 1915 Citrona Dr., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 | 904.261.1080
Nocatee YMCA – 400 Colonnade Drive, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 | 904.701.4292
St. Augustine YMCA – 500 Pope Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32080 | 904.471.9622
Williams Family YMCA – 10415 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 | 904.292.1660
Winston Family YMCA – 221 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202 | 904.355.1436
YMCA at Baptist North – 11236 Baptist Health Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32218 | 904.592.9622
YMCA at Wildlight – 123 Tinker Street, Yulee, FL 32097 | 904.261.1080
YMCA Camp Immokalee – 6765 Immokalee Rd, Keystone Heights, FL | 352.473.4213
YMCA Tiger Academy – 6079 Bagley Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209 | 904.309.6840
Coming in 2026: West Augustine YMCA - 1000 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Out of School Locations: https://fcymca.org/programs/before-and-afterschool/   

Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign: The First Coast YMCA’s Annual Campaign is the foundation of our charitable mission, ensuring that every person, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the programs and resources that build a healthier, stronger, and more connected community. Gifts to the campaign directly support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across our 14 branches and program sites. These contributions provide children with safe spaces to learn and grow, strengthen mental and physical well-being for individuals and families, expand outreach to military members and veterans, and make it possible for seniors to stay active and engaged. Every dollar raised advances the Y’s commitment to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our Annual Campaign goal for FY26 is $2 million.

The First Coast YMCA is dedicated to expanding and modernizing our facilities to better serve the evolving needs of our community. Key capital projects, totaling about $37 million, include:

• Brown Family YMCA Renovation Project: Since its opening in 1999, the Brown Family YMCA has been a cornerstone of health, wellness, and community spirit in Ponte Vedra Beach, serving approximately 9,000 individuals annually. To continue this impactful work, the Y has embarked on a capital campaign to expand and enhance the facility. The renovation aims to create open environments that allow members to engage in health and wellness programs, positioning the organization to respond to future community opportunities and challenges. Planned improvements encompass a revitalized lobby, updated wellness spaces, enhanced aquatics programming, and the introduction of the Maguire Family Pickleball Center, which has already served over 1,000 people since its opening in June 2023. The total capital campaign goal is $4.1 million, and renovations will be completed by January 2026.  
• Peyton Family YMCA at Durbin Park: The Peyton Family YMCA is set to be the centerpiece of a 40-acre, $150 million health complex, which will include a hospital and other medical services. The new facility is projected to be upwards of 50,000 square feet and will feature amenities such as state-of-the-art wellness programs, an aquatics center, an indoor gymnasium, expansive outdoor fitness amenities, and dedicated spaces for family and teen programs. The campaign total is $28 million, and Construction is anticipated to begin by 2026. 
• McArthur Family YMCA Expansion: A generous gift has enabled the McArthur Family YMCA to envision a future expansion to better serve the growing community. The planned expansion includes an intergenerational space which will provide a space for youth and family programs, sports, and community events along with an addition of a new group workout room. This $2.5 million campaign is focused on meeting the evolving demographics in Fernandina with a shift to more families moving to the area.  
• Winston Family YMCA Enhancements: The Winston Family YMCA continues to serve the community with its comprehensive facilities, including a 7,800 square foot indoor gymnasium, state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, multiple group exercise studios, and a KidZone. Ongoing enhancements aim to further improve the member experience and community engagement by adding an intergenerational space. These two phased campaigns will be a total of $2.75 million.

Philanthropy

FY25 $1,689,000
FY26 $2,010,000

Previous Year’s Annual Giving Impact 2024: 

Total number of people receiving financial assistance (scholarship): 32,208
Total membership units: 30,152
Total amount awarded in financial assistance (scholarship): $2,655,057

Staff
Current Staff:  

FT – 196 FT Staff      
PT – 1396 PT Employees    

CEO Direct Reports: 

Chief Development Officer     
EVP, COO/CFO 
Chief Marketing Officer
Director of Executive Support
    
Board of Directors: 24 Participants     

1 Board Emeritus Member
6 Committees    
 

Financial Snapshot:

Revenue & Expenses 2026 Budget                $49.9 million
Required Debt Covenants Ration                  1.25 and 60 DCOH    
                                                                (actual FY 2025:  1.41x and 86 DCOH)
Current Endowment                                    $3.8 million
Current Debt                                              $24 million
Undesignated Cash on Hand                         $3.6 million
Total Liquidity (all funds)                              $21 million

About the First Coast
Florida’s First Coast is an exceptional place to live, work, and lead. Anchored by Jacksonville and stretching through St. Augustine and surrounding counties, the region combines coastal beauty with metropolitan opportunity. Known for its vibrant blend of urban, suburban, and coastal living, the region offers a high quality of life with beautiful beaches, a thriving arts and cultural scene, diverse dining, and year-round outdoor recreation. It’s home to major employers, world-class healthcare, respected universities, and a proud military presence, offering both economic vitality and stability. With its affordability, family-friendly neighborhoods, and dynamic growth, the First Coast attracts people who want to build meaningful lives and lasting connections. For the next leader of the First Coast Y, it offers the ideal environment to make a transformative impact while enjoying one of the most desirable regions in the Southeast.