Stephen Ives Joins the Community Rec Advisory Board

Stephen Ives, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, is the latest top executive to join Community Rec Magazine’s Advisory Board.

Over the past 30-plus years, Ives’ passion has been to help communities grow and thrive through programs and services at the YMCA. He remains committed to the Y’s mission of strengthening the foundations of community for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Having served in multiple executive roles during his tenure with the Y Ives currently has the pleasure of working alongside a strong board and many cause-driven leaders that serve more than 177,000 families across their many locations in the greater Houston area.

Through successful collaborations, executing civic engagement and leading thousands of team members, Ives has played an integral role in bringing the following milestones to the YMCA of Greater Houston:

• Successful community partnerships which aid and foster social growth.
• 200 childcare facilities.
• Youth outreach programs and camps servicing thousands of students.
• International partnerships in South America and Vietnam.
• Group activities and social opportunities for active seniors.
• Support for refugee resettlement services.
• Leading the fight against human trafficking.

Ives is a proud father, husband and community leader who enjoys outdoor activities, long-distance running, biking and live music. His vision is to continue to uphold the YMCA as a pillar in the community in which outreach and culture offer fellowship, solace, and support to individuals and families that call the Y home.

In April 2021, Ives was also appointed Chair of the newly-reformed Independent Police Oversight Board (IPOB) by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. The IPOB will feature a diverse group of civilian leaders who will actively engage in police accountability and hold all to a higher standard. Ives will oversee and lead the board who will work with paid, full-time professionals to review existing and proposed Houston Police Department policies, investigate misconduct and recommend reforms across the agency.

“I am honored to lead such an essential endeavor – not only for our city, but for our nation,” said Ives in a statement. “This appointment mirrors the YMCA’s proud commitment to advancing equity as well as our historical practice of engaging with efforts that strengthen the foundations of community. I made the decision many years ago to dedicate my career and personal life to serving communities, and I look forward to continuing to bring people together to hold brave conversations and will work to foster the creation of a safer, transparent and more just society in which citizens can live and thrive.”

Ives is joining seven other industry leaders on the board. James Morton, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston; Steve Tarver, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Louisville; Carrie Ohorodnyk, the executive director of the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA; Todd Rockoff, the president and CEO of the Tucson JCC; Art Krueger, the director of The Wave Aquatic and Fitness Center; Chris Tointon, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Omaha; and Addie Goodman, the president and CEO of JCC Chicago.

The Advisory Board provides advice and support to the Community Rec team and helps them serve the community recreation industry in the best way possible. If you’d like to learn more about the Advisory Board and the member’s roles, please contact Brittany Howard, the editor of Community Rec Magazine, at brittany@peakemedia.com.