The CEO will provide visionary leadership and operational oversight for the YMCA. They will build upon our existing strengths while guiding the organization into the future — strengthening staff culture, expanding community engagement, ensuring financial sustainability, and deepening our positive local impact through programs and initiatives. The CEO will be a hands‑on, relational leader who lives and serves within the community, fosters strong partnerships, and drives results aligned with our core values.
At the Wabash County YMCA, we’re more than just a gym — we’re a cornerstone of community connection, wellness, and growth. Located downtown Wabash, Indiana, the Y is a place where people of all ages come together to grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body.
Our facility offers something for everyone and starts with being a vibrant hub for activity and engagement— from two full basketball gyms and an indoor tennis court with four pickleball courts, to a lap and activity pool, Child Watch, comprehensive Wellness Center offering cardio, free weights, and kinesis line equipment and cross‑fit area. In addition, we offer an indoor walk/run track, men’s and women’s saunas, group exercise studios, and even a rainforest‑themed playroom for kids.
We’re also home to the Field of Dreams Sports Complex, featuring softball, football, and soccer fields, providing opportunities for youth and adults to learn, play, and compete in a fun and supportive environment.
Our dedicated, friendly, and knowledgeable staff are the heart of what we do — helping members reach their health and wellness goals while creating a welcoming space for everyone. From fitness programs and sports leagues to birthday parties, rentals, and community events, every day at the Y is a chance to make a difference.
If you’re passionate about wellness, community, and positive impact — the Wabash County YMCA is the place for you.
Our Mission
To foster wellness in our community.
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
Current Key Strategic Initiatives
- Positively Impact Health Outcomes – Measurable change demonstrating the impact the YMCA is making in the community.
- Expand charitable support and partnerships – Increase resources, positioning the YMCA to consistently meet community needs today, tomorrow, and into the future.
- Position youth and families for success – Connecting resources to reduce barriers.
Membership
Total Number of Members: 5712
Branch Information
- Main branch on Cass Street, Wabash (75,000 sq.ft building)
- Field of Dreams (FOD) sports complex at WaterRidge Parkway
Core Programs
- Spring/Summer Soccer – Adult Soccer (FOD)
- Parkinson’s
- Geri Fit
- Active Older Adult programs
- Swim Lessons
- Softball – FOD
- Pickleball
- Corporate Challenge
- After School care programming
- Summer Camp
- Summer School – SPARK
- Food program
- Youth/Adult basketball
- Food Pantry
Annual Support Campaign
- Current Year Goal: $220K
- Prior Year’s Total: $295K
- Current Year’s Progress Toward Goal: past 100 % $267,573.00
- Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 33 % of membership
Recent Capital Campaign
New group exercise room addition $780K
CEO Direct Reports
- VP of Mission Advancement
- VP of Operations
- Director of Facilities
Board of Directors
- Finance Committee
- Building & Grounds Committee
- Executive Committee
- Program Committee
Financial Snapshot
- Current Annual Budget Size: $3M
- Current Debt: $0
- Current Endowment: $12M
- Last year operating net: +$138K
About Our Community
Wabash County, Indiana offers a rural lifestyle with big city amenities. Residents and visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures – from hiking and camping at two nearby reservoirs to cycling on the Wabash River Trail and kayaking along the Wabash and Eel Rivers. The County also supports a thriving arts scene: The Honeywell Center and its affiliated venues including the historic Eagles Theater, Drive‑In Theater, and Charley Creek Gardens, host world‑class performances and cultural events throughout the year.
When it comes to lifestyle, Wabash County stands out for its low‑cost of living and strong sense of community. Housing is affordable, and it’s relatively easy to rent, build, or buy a home. The County also supports a family‑oriented environment with walkable downtowns, excellent schools and childcare facilities, and year‑round community events such as First Fridays, farmers markets, and festivals in each of the county’s incorporated towns.
Beyond recreation and affordability, Wabash County is building toward long‑term vibrancy and growth. Many projects are in progress related to housing, business and economic development, education, and arts and culture. Collaboration is key, and the county is blessed to have the public, private, and nonprofit sectors work well together to address shared goals.
Wabash County is a place where residents care for one another and jump in to serve and volunteer. We encourage anyone interested in relocating to Wabash County to explore local resources and community stories.
Information Sites
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or advanced nonprofit leadership credential preferred.
- Preference for a minimum 5–10 years of senior leadership experience (nonprofit, mission‑driven organization preferred; YMCA experience a plus).
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
- Demonstrated success in building and leading teams.
- High emotional intelligence, leadership presence, servant mindset, and commitment to YMCA values.
- Experience in strategic planning, managing change, and driving organizational growth.
- Knowledge and successful experience managing financial resources and leading organizational development.
- Experience maintaining affordable access to services while achieving financial viability.
- Track record of growing membership and programs in a nonprofit or membership organization.
- Strong communication skills — written, oral, public speaking — and ability to represent the YMCA effectively.
- Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and engage in community outreach.
- Willingness to learn and understand the needs of Wabash County and the region.
- Understanding of working in a small/medium‑sized community and its unique dynamics.
- Willingness to be personally visible, active, and engaged in leadership of the community.
- Experience developing, managing, and growing partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
- Familiarity with youth sports programming, senior services, and enrichment programs for teens and families.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, creating welcoming environments for people of all backgrounds, income levels, and ages.
Essential Functions
Community Engagement & Partnerships: Serve as an ambassador for the Y’s mission, purpose, and vision for Wabash County and Northeast Indiana by attending community events, building strategic partnerships, volunteering, and forming meaningful relationships. Build and deepen partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, faith‑based organizations, health providers, businesses, local government, and community groups.
Strategic Leadership and Vision: Lead development, implementation, and communication of a strategic plan that aligns with community needs, the Y’s mission, and organizational goals. Model YMCA core values through visible leadership, community presence, and personal integrity.
Staff Leadership: Ensure a talent development system is in place, and hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Foster a strong internal culture by inspiring, engaging, supporting, and developing staff, building teamwork and accountability, and ensuring staff feel valued and motivated.
Operations and Fiscal Management: Ensure a safe, welcoming, and high‑quality facilities and program environment for members, families, and staff. Oversee all program areas, ensuring they are responsive to current and future community needs and inclusive of all ages and backgrounds. Lead annual budgeting, oversight of financial performance, and long‑term financial planning to maintain organizational health and affordability for participants.
Fundraising and Sustainability: Lead major gifts fundraising and work alongside the Vice President of Mission Advancement to develop and implement an annual fundraising plan, stewardship activities, and endowment‑building strategies. Establish and cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, members, and philanthropic entities to support mission‑driven initiatives.
Board & Governance Collaboration: Work closely with the Board of Directors to support governance, goals, policy, and strategy. Keep the board informed of key metrics, strategic progress, risks, and opportunities. Support board recruitment, development, and engagement to reflect community diversity and strengthen leadership.
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