President and CEO

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO 

The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles: 

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

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 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

Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives while 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

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

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 operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

About the Akron Area YMCA

The Akron Area YMCA, founded in 1870, serves Summit, Medina, and Portage counties through six membership branches, five child-care locations and two day/residential camps.

More than just a swim and gym, the Akron Area YMCA is a vibrant hub where people of all ages and backgrounds connect and thrive. It offers a diverse range of programs, from top-quality rated early care and education to assure kindergarten readiness to impactful youth sports leagues that teach teamwork and character. The Safety Around Water program, offered free to the community, has been a cornerstone of programming. The partnership with the area courts, through Y-Strong, has led to lasting success for those in recovery from addiction. A full slate of group exercise classes keeps everyone on their toes, while the vibrant Active Older Adult programming provides physical and emotional wellness with exercise, outings, and socialization.

The Akron Area YMCA’s influence extends well beyond its branch walls, actively addressing the social needs of the greater Akron community, notably through its two exceptional residential camps: Camp Y-Noah and the globally recognized Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. This dedication to inclusivity and transformative experiences is a powerful force for good, playing a crucial role in shaping a resilient and supportive environment throughout Summit and Medina counties. 

By focusing on the holistic development of every member—mind, body, and spirit—the Akron Area YMCA is a vital and compelling part of the Northeast Ohio infrastructure, reflecting the caring and collaborative nature of the community it serves.

Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

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

Our Culture:
The Y Experience – The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate.
Welcoming – We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.
Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality.
Hopeful – We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.
Nurturing – We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself.
Determined – Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Membership: Total Number of Members: 54,837 

Branch Information: 

• Kohl Family Y: 477 E Market Street Akron, Ohio
• Green Family Y: 3800 Massillon Road, Green, Ohio
• Firestone Park Y: 350 E Wilbeth, Akron, Ohio
• Wadsworth Y: 623 School Drive, Wadsworth, Ohio
• Lake Anna Y: 500 W Hopocan Avenue, Barberton, Ohio
• Riverfront Y: 544 Broad Blvd, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
• Camp Y Noah: 815 Mt Pleasant Rd, Clinton, Ohio
• Rotary Camp operations: 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, Ohio
• Longwood Y: 8761 Shepard Road, Macedonia, Ohio
• Early Care and Education Centers:
  • Cascade Village
  • Family Enrichment Center
  • Hartz
  • Hope
  • Westminster

Core Programs:

• Aquatics including Safety Around Water
• Early Care and Education
• Out of School Time
• Membership
• Youth Enrichment activities
• Camping

Annual Support Campaign: 

• 2025 Total: $970k achieved on a goal of $798k.
• Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 3500 members.

Recent Capital Campaign:

• Riverfront Capital Improvements: $137,500 raised and project complete in 2025.
• Camp Y Noah: $67,300 raised and projects complete in 2025.
• Green: recently launched with goal of $500k 

Staff:

• FT: 100
• PT: 730

CEO Direct Reports: 

• CHRO, CDO, COYA, CFO
• VP of Membership Branch Operations  
• Director of Marketing
• Executive Assistant to the CEO 

Board of Directors: 17 members with the following standing committees:

• Executive Committee
• Board Governance Committee
• Finance Committee

Financial Snapshot:

• 2026 Budget Size: $18-$20 mil
• Current Debt: $2.3 mil
• Cash Balance: $3.1 mil
• Current Endowment: $2.275 mil

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY 
Akron, Ohio offers an exceptional lifestyle and business environment that is poised to welcome and support new leaders. The region is celebrated for its affordability, consistently ranking high for its quality of life, which allows professionals to enjoy a balanced and prosperous experience with a lower cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas. Beyond the favorable economic climate, the area boasts a lively arts scene, featuring venues and organizations that contribute to a rich cultural tapestry including the Akron Art Museum, the historic Civic Theater, EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, the Akron Zoo and the University of Akron. Just minutes away, Kent State University adds to the region’s intellectual and cultural vitality. The area’s extensive park systems, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit County Metro Parks, provide thousands of acres of green space and trails for recreation. The nearby Portage Lakes offer year ‘round enjoyment and beauty, while the annual Akron Marathon Race Series embodies the community's spirit and engagement.

The strategic location of Akron is one of its most compelling assets. It offers close proximity to two major cities, Cleveland to the north and Columbus to the south—providing easy access to broader business and entertainment networks without the daily gridlock. This central positioning is further enhanced by convenient access to multiple airports, ensuring travel for business or pleasure is straightforward and efficient. By moving here, you join a supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking community.

Nonprofits, their leaders and their families, find that connections are easily made making the area one that is friendly, welcoming and engaging for all. 

Information Sites
The City of Akron website:                                https://www.akronohio.gov/
Summit County website:                                   https://co.summitoh.net/portal/County-of-Summit-Ohio.html
Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce website:   https://greaterakronchamber.org/events/
The University of Akron:                                   https://www.uakron.edu/
Akron Public Schools:                                       https://www.akronschools.com/
Cleveland Clinic: Akron General Hospital            https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/akron-general
Summa Health Systems:                                  https://www.summahealth.org/locations/hospitals/akron
Akron Children’s Hospital:                                https://www.akronchildrens.org/

SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: $195,000-245,000

Benefits:
The Akron Area YMCA benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision health benefits
• Life/AD&D Insurance and Short/Long Term Disability voluntary benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Y-Retirement Fund contribution at 8% upon meeting eligibility
• 403b Roth and/or Pre-Tax options 100% staff member contribution on day 1
• Vacation, Holiday, Sick leave per personnel policy.
• Akron Area YMCA Household Membership
• Staff member rates on YMCA programs include wellness, sports, aquatics, childcare, camp, and more

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

SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
Resumes accepted through:                        March 11th
Preliminary in person interviews scheduled:  April 13 & 14
In-person final interviews:                           April 27 & 28
EO selection made:                                     May 1st
New CEO on board (anticipated):                 June

*Dates subject to change

HOW TO APPLY

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.

Candidates must apply via the following website: 

https://tinyurl.com/Akron-Area-Y-CEO

QUESTIONS 

About the Search Process?

Sandy Morander
Senior Consultant YMCA of the USA
2633 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864
(C) 210-284-5593
(E) [email protected]

Ruth Knous
Senior Director of Alliance Services
Ohio Alliance of YMCAs
143 Lago Vue Court
Saint Marys, Ohio
(C) 419-953-6274
(E): [email protected]  (W): ohioymcas.org