The Board of Directors at the YMCA of the Suncoast recently announced Christian Engle as the Y’s next president and CEO. This announcement comes following the retirement of former president and CEO G. Scott Goyer.
Engle currently serves as the president and CEO for the YMCA of the Capital Area in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He comes to the area with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the YMCA, including previously serving as a district vice president for the YMCA of the Suncoast.
“Our committee was focused on finding a visionary leader who could advance the outstanding work and foundation already established by Scott, and we undoubtedly believe Christian is that person,” said Kimberly Briggs, the board chair of YMCA of the Suncoast, in a press release. “The Board of Directors thanks Scott Goyer for his service to our YMCA and the legacy he leaves here.”
Engle graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and began his YMCA career with the Channel Islands YMCA in Santa Barbara, California. His career has taken him across the country where he has had the opportunity to manage every aspect of YMCA operations including membership and wellness, youth programs, aquatics, teen programming, and unique YMCA programming such as residential camps and supportive housing along with the accompanying social services.
He’s raised more than $40 million for new Y development and infrastructure, in addition to successful annual fundraising and grant initiatives. Engle has served on and led several YUSA committees and strategic initiatives. He’s currently on the National Committee on Membership Standards, YUSA CEO Advisory Committee, and serves on the YUSA’s Reporting and Sustainability Advisory Committee.
Engle will begin his role as CEO in late November. Below, he participates in an interview with Community Rec Magazine and details the move to a new YMCA.
Describe your feelings and emotions on being named the CEO of the YMCA of the Suncoast.
Becoming the next CEO for the YMCA of the Suncoast is a tremendous honor. It has such a great legacy of leadership and to be asked to follow in their footsteps as the next CEO is something I don’t take lightly. I look forward to being a part of this YMCA’s future.
What made this opportunity stand out to you as an industry leader?
The YMCA of the Suncoast is a great Y with a strong reputation within the Y movement. In addition, it’s a Y that has a personal and professional history for me. I served in a leadership role at this Y in the early 2000s and my daughter was born there. To be able to return as the CEO was something I couldn’t overlook when the opportunity presented itself. Returning to something you care about and to a place that holds several personal connections is something, I believe, most leaders would be excited about.
What do you look forward to within your first 100 days as CEO?
The first 100 days are the most exciting. You’re learning about the Y, the communities it serves, getting to know the staff and the volunteers, and gaining an understanding of the expectations for me as the CEO. Getting to know this Y and meeting community leaders to learn what their hopes for the Y are and how we can continue to serve in the most impactful way is always an inspiring time as a new CEO.
What experiences in your life have equipped you well for this transition?
I grew up in a military family, so we moved quite often. Learning to navigate new schools and environments is a skill you are forced to develop. Making new friends, getting involved in activities and learning a new neighborhood are all behaviors that have served me well in my Y career. This transition is somewhat unique in that I know the area and have friends there already. But a lot has changed in the time I’ve been gone. I’m looking forward to experiencing what’s new.
Finally, what advice do you have for other professionals in creating a successful career in the industry?
As with most things in life, it’s about relationships. You should always look to others that you can learn from. I’m blessed to have a strong network of peers/friends in the movement who have helped me on my path. This doesn’t mean that we all agree or feel the same about things in our world. But it does mean we listen with our hearts and our minds. Be open to change. There’s never one way to accomplish something or to be successful. Also, be true to your journey and what you want out of life. My path may not be what someone wants. However, you can always learn from others and gain insight into what may influence your current circumstance and/or career path.
