EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
SOUTH WOOD COUNTY YMCA

Position:  Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Address:  601 W Grand Ave, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

The Opportunity: 
The South Wood County YMCA Board of Directors is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead a high-performing YMCA in the heart of beautiful Wisconsin. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven leader – with YMCA experience or without – to make a significant and lasting impact on a thriving community.

You will join an organization with a rich history, a dedicated and passionate staff, and an engaged Board of Directors committed to the Y's mission. As CEO, you will be the driving force behind our strategic vision, ensuring the financial sustainability and operational excellence of the YMCA. You will cultivate and strengthen community partnerships, positioning the Y as a vital convener and collaborator, addressing critical social needs. Reporting directly to the Board, you will be empowered to guide our organization toward continued growth and success, embodying the values that define the YMCA.

CEO Key Deliverables:
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:

• Fiscal Management and Improve Operating Performance: Employ advanced financial analysis to project future trends, growth, and stability. Drive the organization towards balanced or surplus budgets by increasing revenue (earned and contributed) and rigorously managing costs. Equip and mentor staff leaders to achieve sound financial management within their respective departments. Execute robust stewardship strategies. Collaborate with the board and staff to create and implement an annual tactical plan, focusing on key goals and sustainable practices. Swiftly address emerging issues, anticipate future needs, and effectively oversee the Y's operations and activities. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self and Others, Philanthropy, Innovation
• 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
• Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Develop and implement a robust talent development strategy that fosters a supportive, inclusive, and culturally competent workplace. Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse team aligned with the needs of our community. Cultivate a high-performance culture characterized by collaboration, shared purpose, and continuous learning. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership
• Facility and Maintenance Development, Capital: Ensure all facilities are clean, safe, and fully operational. Plan and execute comprehensive facility management, encompassing ongoing maintenance, repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic development. Implement preventative maintenance and expansion strategies to ensure long-term viability and a safe, efficient environment for members, program participants, and the community. Key competencies: fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making  
• 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 diverse backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure the Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration

ABOUT THE Y
The YMCA has been serving the greater South Wood County community since 1957 and expanded its mission and services to Adams County in 2021. The South Wood County YMCA has a membership base and operating budget that has doubled since 2020 with the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art building. The South Wood County YMCA has three locations meeting the needs of the community: Wisconsin Rapids, Adams, and a gymnastics center in Port Edwards. In addition to the three facilities, South Wood County YMCA has a Camp located on a lake near Wisconsin Rapids. Kids can enjoy a variety of activities year-round, and facility rentals are available to the public.

The South Wood County YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are community partners utilizing a shared facility.

The Y offers more than one hundred programs for anyone from toddlers to active older adults. In addition, the YMCA runs two before and after school programs, 21st Century Learning Center, three early learning sites and partners with four area school districts for summer school programming. The Y partners with over 40 organizations and agencies within the community that include health care, universities and technical colleges, school districts, government and other nonprofits.

The South Wood County YMCA is a trusted community partner with a history of demonstrated success in delivering lasting personal and social change.

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

YMCA Locations:

• Wisconsin Rapids: 601 West Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
  The Wisconsin Rapids Center is a new 77,000 square foot full amenity facility that opened on June 1st, 2020.  The $28.5 million capital project was a unique collaborative partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and Department of Veteran Affairs (VA Clinic). The facility includes an aquatic center, gymnasium, wellness center, outdoor recreational field, group exercise studios, indoor walking track, teaching kitchen, child watch, licensed childcare center and multi-purpose rooms. This facility features 24-hour access.
• Adams: 393 North Pine, Adams, WI 53910
  The Adams County Aspirus Healthy Living Center is a 6,600 SF facility that opened on August 30th of 2021.  The facility includes a wellness center, group exercise studio/multi-purpose room, child watch and stretching area. This facility features 24-hour access and is centrally located in the City of Adams.
• Port Edwards: 211 Wisconsin River Drive, Port Edwards, WI 54469
  The Port Edwards main location is slated for demolition in the fall of 2025. The gymnastics building is a standalone facility which is scheduled for renovations and possible reprogramming.
• YMCA Camp Alexander: 1035 Camp Road, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
  Camp Alexander is a 35-acre camp located on beautiful Lake Nepco and is home to the Y’s day and resident camp programming. Camp Alexander supports approximately 40 weekend rentals each year for weddings, reunions, and other events.  

Financial Resources:

• 2025 Operating Budget: $4,388,000
• Current Debt: $146,098 
• Endowment: $3,476,359 ($464,905 held by the YMCA and $3,011,454 held by the YMCA Foundation)
• Last Year (2024) Operating Net: $-2,506 before EBID 
• Prior Year (2023) Operating Net: $140,173 before EBID
• Current Annual Campaign Goal: $217,000
• Last Year Annual Campaign Raised: $126,807
• Amount of Financial Assistance Provided: $203,547

Staff:

• 38 FT staff
• 102 PT staff

CEO Direct Report Titles: 

• Branch Executive Director
• Chief Financial Officer (Shared Services position employed by the Stevens Point Area YMCA)

Membership:

• Total Number of Members: 8,916
• Total Number of Membership Units: 4,921

Core Programs Offered: 

• Licensed Childcare and Early Learning: 6 weeks – 4 years old, 4 years old to K program, and Before/After School Sites
• Swim Lessons
• Gymnastics
• Gymnastics Team
• Youth Sports
• Adult/Group Land & Water Fitness
• Chronic Disease: Livestrong at the YMCA, YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, Enhance/Falls Prevention
• Personal Training
• Community Swim Lessons/Summer School with four school districts
• Summer Day & Resident Camping
• Family Community Events including Halloween at the Y, Breakfast with the Grinch, Father-Daughter Dance

Service Areas:
Total service area population is approximately 55,000 including Wisconsin Rapids, Port Edwards, Nekoosa, Grand Rapids, Adams–Friendship, and Rome.

Live and Work in Wisconsin Rapids 
Wisconsin Rapids, the county seat of Wood County, is a consolidation of the two early towns of Grand Rapids and Centralia lying on the east side of the Wisconsin River, the latter on the west. Wisconsin Rapids today offers mid-western charm and atmosphere while providing access to modern infrastructure and technology, abundant educational and cultural opportunities, a mix of retail establishments and restaurants, and a stable business environment. The area offers affordable housing, quality schools, and a great community to raise a family. Wisconsin Rapids is also a recreation mecca including activities such as golfing, hunting, fishing, etc. Wisconsin Rapids’ close proximity to world-renown golf resort, Sand Valley, in addition to various lakes, makes living in central Wisconsin truly a destination.

Wisconsin Rapids is located along the beautiful Wisconsin River in the heart of cranberry country! Harvest season is the most picturesque time for cranberries, and it occurs late September through late October. During harvest, you can safely experience all the fall colors over a sea of red berries by taking a drive down the Cranberry Highway. Wisconsin Rapids has a variety of lodging and dining options and fun things to see and do! Our convenient central Wisconsin location makes the Wisconsin Rapids area an ideal destination.

Quick Facts (US Census Data)                   Adams County, WI         Wood County, WI
Population estimates, July 1, 2024, (V2024)           21,352                              73,943
Persons under 5 years                                          3.10%                               5.20%
Persons under 18 years                                        13.00%                              21.30%
Persons 65 years and over                                    32.90%                              22.50%
Caucasian                                                           93.00%                              94.20%
African American                                                  3.30%                               1.10%
American Indian and Alaska Native                        1.30%                               1.10%
Asian                                                                   0.70%                               2.10%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander              0.10%    
Two or More Races                                                1.70%                               1.50%
Hispanic or Latino                                                 4.70%                                3.90%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino                         89.30%                             91.10%
Veterans, 2019-2023                                             1,841                                4,775
Households, 2019-2023                                         9,351                                31,942

Information Sites: 

• South Wood County YMCA
• City of Wisconsin Rapids
• Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
• Wisconsin Rapids Public School District
• Mid-State Technical College
• Aspirus Health Systems
• Things to See & Do in Wisconsin Rapids
• Upper Midwest Alliance of YMCAs
• YMCA of the USA

Salary Range: $120,000 to $160,000

Residency Expectation: Living in the YMCA’s service area is required. It is expected that the CEO will be fully engaged in the communities that the Y serves.

Benefits: 

• Health Insurance 70% paid by the Y and 30% paid by the employee. 
• Dental and Vision benefits. 
• YMCA Retirement: 9% retirement contribution by the YMCA once eligibility is met.
• 403b Retirement Savings Account, 100% employee contribution.
• PTO: including six paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Other benefits per personnel policy.

Minimum Candidate Criteria:

1. Accredited 4-year college degree or equivalent work experience. 
2. Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission.
3. Minimum five years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.
4. A proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management more than $3MM or more annually.

Search Process Target Dates:

• Resumes accepted through: May 1, 2025
• Preliminary interviews via Zoom: May 20 (afternoon) and 22 (morning), 2025
• In-person interviews: June 12 and 13, 2025
• CEO selection made: Week of June 16, 2025
• New CEO on board (anticipated): July 15 or earlier

To Apply:

Candidates will apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/south-wood-county-ymca-ceo 

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

Candidates who advance to final interviews will submit six references (four professional and two personal). 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 and or requirements.

Questions regarding the Y should be directed to:

Jon Agnew 
Chief Executive Officer 
Wisconsin/UP Michigan State Alliance of YMCA’s 
jagnew@wiymca.org 

Questions regarding the search process should be directed to:

Richard Clegg
YMCA of the USA National CEO Senior Consultant
DBD Group
richard.clegg@ymca.net