The Joplin Family YMCA has named Jeremy Bumgardner as its new president and CEO, effective April 15, 2026. Selected by the Y’s board of directors following a four-month search, Bumgardner will succeed Cookie Estrada who is retiring on April 17th after 42 years with YMCAs with 38 of those years at the Joplin Family Y.
In his new role, Bumgardner will be responsible for completing the Joplin Family YMCA refresh and remodel, increasing membership and family programming, and developing new initiatives to grow the Y.
“During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates from throughout the U.S., but Jeremy Bumgardner stood out among the rest,” said Stephanie Brady, the Joplin Family YMCA board of directors CEO search committee chairperson, in a statement on social media. “His energy and vision for the Joplin Family Y is exactly what we were looking for in a leader. With Jeremy’s experience in leading multiple YMCAs and his passion toward healthy living and community collaboration, we’re convinced the Joplin Family Y will have fantastic leadership for years to come.”
”I’m deeply honored to serve as the new president and CEO of the Joplin Family YMCA,” said Bumgardner. “Since 1891, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of the Joplin community — a place where youth development, healthy living and social responsibility intersect. We work side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the resources and the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
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Bumgardner comes to the Y with 22 years of experience in the nonprofit world, currently serving at the Cain Center YMCA in Athens, Texas, where he serves as the executive director. While there, he has successfully converted the facility to a 24-hour gym, increasing membership and community visibility.
Bumgardner has also grown that Y’s annual campaign by 58% in one year. Prior to the Cain Center YMCA, he worked for additional YMCAs in Missouri and Florida. Bumgardner holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State University and a master’s degree in Sports Management from Missouri Baptist University.
The board of the Joplin Family Y is thankful for the years of service provided by Cookie Estrada and they wish him the best in his much-deserved retirement.
