The YMCA of Greater Nashua recently announced that longtime CEO Mike LaChance will retire effective August 31, 2026, concluding a 40-year career in the YMCA movement and more than three decades of leadership in New Hampshire.
LaChance’s connection to the YMCA began unexpectedly through a college assignment — an experience that sparked a lifelong calling. From his early years as a summer camp counselor to becoming CEO in 2003, his career has been defined by service, innovation and a steadfast belief in the power of community.
Since joining the YMCA of Greater Nashua in 1993, LaChance expanded its reach, strengthened its financial foundation, significantly increased access to critical programs and services for children, families, and individuals of all ages and strengthened the Y’s community presence. He has guided the organization from modest beginnings into a vibrant, multi-branch association serving more than 40,000 individuals annually across Southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
Major accomplishments under his tenure include:
- Development of the Nashua Branch and Westwood Park Branch.
- Creation and expansion of early childhood education at the Merrimack Y, making it the largest YMCA childcare site in the country.
- Hosting a sitting U.S. President of the United States at the local Y.
- Facility investments at Camp Sargent to double the capacity of children served.
- Strengthened the YMCA’s role as an essential community partner throughout the pandemic by expanding access to emergency childcare and essential services while ensuring the Y remained a trusted community anchor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Forged more than 150 strategic partnerships with local and regional nonprofits, dramatically expanding the YMCA’s reach and ability to serve children, families and vulnerable populations.
LaChance’s impact has been recognized regionally and statewide. In 2018, he received the New Hampshire Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health’s Outstanding Achievement Award for public health programming. In 2024, the Eastern Bank Foundation honored him with its Community Advocacy Award for his long-standing commitment to youth development, community health, and family services. He was also recognized by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce as their Business Person of the Year in 2012 and the Business Leader of the Year by the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce in 2014.
Statements from the YMCA
“It has been the honor of my life to serve this YMCA and this community,” said LaChance in a press release. “What began as a summer job became a life mission. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built — strong programs, welcoming facilities, and above all, a community rooted in respect, belonging and opportunity.”
The Board of Directors has unanimously selected Joe Manzoli as the next president and CEO, effective September 1, 2026, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership.
“Mike LaChance’s decades of devoted leadership have shaped the YMCA of Greater Nashua into the thriving, community-centered organization it is today” said Jack Olson, the CVO of the YMCA. “His legacy is reflected in the countless lives touched, the programs strengthened and the deep sense of belonging he helped foster across our communities. Under his guidance, we have grown in strength, deepened our commitment to families, and solidified our mission of service and impact. As we plan for the future, we are grateful that Joe Manzoli, who brings passion, operational experience, and a profound commitment to our values and community will lead the Y into its next chapter. We are confident that the Y’s mission, impact and long-standing legacy of service will continue to flourish under his leadership.”
The YMCA of Greater Nashua expresses its heartfelt gratitude to LaChance for his decades of service, passion, and vision. His legacy will continue to shape the organization for many years to come.
