Job Description
THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE LA CROSSE AREA FAMILY YMCAThe Board seeks a relationship-driven, community-minded leader who will build on the YMCA's strong foundation while guiding its next phase of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will be highly engaged in the community, skilled at building trust with staff, board members, donors, and partners, and serve as a visible and effective ambassador for the organization.
This leader will combine strategic vision with strong execution, advancing priorities such as facility modernization, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Financial skills, fundraising ability, and the capacity to clearly communicate the YMCA's impact are essential.
Equally important is a commitment to strengthening the YMCA's culture by developing staff, fostering a welcoming Y, and maintaining high expectations. The CEO will work collaboratively with the Board and staff at all levels, emphasizing transparency, teamwork, and accountability, with a particular focus on board governance best practices.
The next CEO will also embrace the YMCA's broader role in advancing community health and social impact, demonstrating a clear commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community both within and beyond the walls of the Y.
Our Mission The La Crosse Area Family YMCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching our community by promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for all.
CORE VALUES Caring Show a sincere concern for others
Honesty Be truthful in what you say or do
Respect Treat people the way they want to be treated
Responsibility Be accountable for your promises and action
OUR MISSION IN ACTION Strengthening the foundations of our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Welcoming Statement: The La Crosse Area Family Y values individuals from all backgrounds working together to strengthen our community. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected, and where all have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Current Key Strategic Initiatives: The La Crosse Area Family YMCA is a strong, mission-driven organization with a solid foundation and clear opportunities for future growth. Key strengths include a highly engaged and talented staff team at all levels, committed board members and trustees, and a culture that values accountability, adaptability, and innovation. The Y benefits from strong community partnerships, accessible programs, quality facilities, and a demonstrated ability to respond to changing community needs. Opportunities for growth-including facility expansion and strategic use of donated land-position the organization well for the future.
The YMCA's strategic direction is guided by a disciplined decision-making framework that ensures new initiatives align with mission, community need, financial sustainability, and organizational capacity.
Looking ahead, the YMCA is focused on five core strategic priorities:
- Fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members, staff, and the broader community
- Strengthening engagement and financial sustainability through deeper relationships with members, donors, and partners
- Expanding community impact beyond facility walls, particularly through outreach and food access initiatives
- Advancing capital development and growth, including modernization of the Dahl YMCA and exploration of regional expansion opportunities
- Driving continuous improvement and safety, using data-informed decision-making and strong operational practices
Membership: Total Number of Members: Approximately 24,000 across both of our branches.
Branch Information: - The Dahl Family YMCA, 1140 Main Street in La Crosse. Opened in 1969 with additions in 1974, 2006, 2015 and 2022, with schematic design plans completed for a pending capital campaign. The facility is approximately 145,000 square feet and includes a gym, pool, food pantry, gymnastics center, Healthy Living Center (in partnership with Emplify Health), program spaces, recently renovated locker rooms, and more. The facility sits on the edge of downtown La Crosse.
- The R.W. Houser Family YMCA, 400 Mason Street in Onalaska. Opened in 2006, with additions in 2015 and 2022. The facility includes a FT childcare center, large family pool, a warm water pool, two gyms, a gymnastics center, and a wellness center, a Physical Therapy clinic operated by Emplify Health, three locker rooms, a Miracle Baseball field, and a full service café/coffee shop. The facility is approximately 130,000 square feet.
- The Community Youth Center. The Youth Center is a 6,000 square foot facility, homey in nature that sits on the campus of the Dahl Family YMCA. It was constructed in 2015. The Center offers a supportive environment where young individuals can experience a sense of belonging, positively influencing their mental well-being.
Core Programs: The La Crosse Area Family YMCA delivers its mission through three primary program areas-Healthy Living, Youth Development, and Social Responsibility, each supported by a broad portfolio of programs and services that meet critical community needs.
Healthy Living The YMCA is a leading provider of health and wellness services, offering:
- Wellness Centers & Group Fitness: 150+ weekly classes and over 6,900 annually, serving more than 141,000 participants
- Aquatics: Three indoor pools supporting lap swim, water fitness, open swim, and more than 4,400 annual swim lesson sessions
- Chronic Disease & Recovery Programs: LIVESTRONG and YOUTHSTRONG cancer survivorship programs, Diabetes Prevention Program, and integrated health initiatives
- Senior Wellness: FOREVERWELL® programming and engagement opportunities serving nearly 3,900 active older adults
- Healthcare Integration: Partnerships with Emplify Health providing physical therapy, behavioral health, and wellness services within YMCA facilities
Youth Development The YMCA is one of the region's largest providers of youth programming and childcare, offering:
- Licensed Childcare: Early childhood center, before- and after-school care at 15 sites, and summer day camps serving nearly 1,900 children annually
- Youth Programs: 12,000+ annual registrations across sports, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, STEM, and enrichment programs
- Aquatics & Safety: Swim lessons, competitive swim team, and lifeguard certification programs
- Inclusion Programming: Adaptive and inclusive programs ensuring access for youth of all abilities
Community Youth Center: A free, drop-in center for teens providing meals, mentorship, transportation, and life-skill development
Social Responsibility The YMCA extends its impact beyond its facilities through a wide range of community-based initiatives, including:
- Food Access Programs: Delivering more than 466,000 meals annually through after-school meals, summer feeding sites, and a Mobile Market Food Pantry serving 900+ individuals monthly
- Community Health Workers: Supporting families experiencing homelessness with housing, employment, healthcare, and basic needs
- Outreach & Mobile Programming: Y on the Fly and other initiatives bringing programs and resources directly into neighborhoods
- Veteran Services:
