The Greater Philadelphia YMCA has named Joe Ferguson — an executive with an extensive background in education administration who held senior leadership positions with Mastery Charter Schools and the School District of Philadelphia — to serve as the organization’s next president and CEO. Ferguson will assume the role after current president and CEO Shaun Elliott retires in August 2026.
Ferguson is a partner at Charter School Growth Fund, where he identifies, evaluates and invests in the growth of high-quality charter schools in underserved communities. He previously served as the COO for Mastery Charter Schools, and as chief of staff for the School District of Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission and executive director of the Chief Operations Office.
Ferguson’s commitment to “third spaces” – meaningful gathering places that empower communities and foster a sense of belonging – drew him to the opportunity to lead the Greater Philadelphia YMCA.
“Our local YMCAs are the most comprehensive community-connected spaces in our region,” said Ferguson in a press release. “I’m honored and inspired to join an organization whose mission is to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments that are built to lift up people of all ages and backgrounds so that they can develop and thrive.”
As incoming president and CEO, Ferguson will lead a network of 15 Y branches across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, staffed by almost 4,000 employees and serving more than 200,000 people each year.
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“For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of leading an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people across our region, made possible by the dedication of a passionate team that serves our communities every day,” said Elliott. “As I step into retirement, I do so with full confidence in Joe and the leadership he brings to this role. With his guidance and the strength of our exceptional staff, the Y is well positioned to continue advancing its mission and ensuring every Y service and location remains a thriving, welcoming place for the community’s well-being.
One of the nation’s leading nonprofits, the Y provides services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds: fitness, recreation, childcare, community engagement opportunities and more.
Ferguson spent 10 years with Mastery Charter Schools, a 23-school network serving 14,000 students in Philadelphia and Camden, during which time the organization grew sixfold. Ferguson strengthened Mastery’s finances, directed capital investments and facilities strategy, and launched an internal leadership pipeline program to develop school leaders.
While with the School District of Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission, he was responsible for daily operations of an $18 million budget and 60-person organization including the offices of general counsel and inspector general.
He spent his early career in management consulting with Deloitte Consulting and American Management Systems, helping private and public sector organizations improve their operational performance.
Ferguson holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and undergraduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and Engineering School, respectively. He’s a Pahara-Aspen fellow and Broad Residency alumnus and serves on the board of the Children’s Scholarship Fund. Ferguson lives in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
