The Fayette County Family YMCA has named Jaclyn White as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 10. Selected by the Y’s board of directors following a five-month search, White will succeed Doug Saunders, who is stepping down on February 16. In her new role, White will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan, continuing the current sound fiscal management of the Y, leading the staff, improving operating performance and improving the position of the Y as a vital partner for community change.
“During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates from throughout the country, but Jaclyn White stood out from among the rest,” said board chair Kim Pittser in a press release. “Her energy and vision for the Fayette County YMCA is exactly what we are looking for in a leader. With White’s experience at multiple YMCA’s around the United States and passion for health and community impact, we are convinced the Fayette County Family YMCA will have fantastic leadership for years to come.”
“I am thrilled to join the Fayette County Family YMCA and return to my hometown in Fayette County” said White. “I look forward to bringing my experience in working with Ys across the country to Fayette County and having a positive impact in this YMCA to build a stronger, healthier and thriving community.”
White comes to the Fayette County Family YMCA with 14 years experience in leadership roles at several YMCAs. She currently serves at the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where she has been the health and wellness director for the past two years. While there, she broadened the Y’s membership through specialized offsite programming that targets underserved areas, and facilitated a $40,000 group exercise renovation and a $140,000 equipment upgrade. Prior to this, White served as health and wellness director at the Goldsboro Family YMCA in North Carolina, where she led several evidence-based health initiatives, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program. She has also served as the health and wellness director at the YMCA of Honolulu, Hawaii. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Biology from Wright State University.
The Fayette County Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that’s been serving the community since 1999, opening the current full facility in 2007 and undergoing an expansion in 2020. The YMCA serves over 6,000 people locally each year through programs that strengthen the foundation of the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
