The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago today announced Dorri McWhorter has decided to step down as president and CEO effective February 28, 2025.
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve as the president and CEO of the YMCA Metropolitan of Chicago,” said McWhorter in a press release. “After three and a half years as CEO, I believe now is the right time to pass the baton to the next leader who will continue advancing the transformation of the Y from membership centers to multi-service hubs that strengthen our communities while also expanding our early education, afterschool programs and camps.”
“On behalf of the Board of Managers, I want to thank Dorri for her contributions and efforts that served the YMCA and our neighbors across the region,” said Steve Sorenson, the chair of the Board of Managers, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “Dorri stepped into her role during a challenging time and, in collaboration with the leadership team, helped advanced the Y’s transformation efforts.”
McWhorter was appointed CEO in 2021, responding to the Board’s call to develop a transformation plan to strengthen the Y’s long-term impact in the communities it serves. She led the Y’s transition to a community hub model whereby services are expanded to address community needs and marketplace demands. The Y continues to offer legacy programs in sports, aquatics, fitness, and early learning, but also provides services to address chronic disease prevention, food security, jobs/skills training, mental health services and more. This strategy helped the Y expand revenue through new partnerships, government contracts, private support, and program fees.
In 2023, the Y was part of the team that was awarded the prestigious Chicago Prize from the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, supporting the development of the Sankofa Wellness Village and includes the West Garfield Park YMCA, which will open in 2026.
The YMCA’s next leader will be tasked to advance the community hub model and leverage the organization’s strengths. The Y’s early education and afterschool programs are in demand and will continue to grow through expansion strategies. The YMCA’s camps are also strong and poised for expansion.
Sheila Nelson, a seasoned business executive and member of the YMCA Board of Managers, has been appointed interim CEO as the Board begins a national search for McWhorter’s successor. Nelson, who joined the YMCA Board of Managers in 2020, brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, revenue growth and operational excellence to her role as interim CEO. She will work closely with the Y’s leadership team to ensure a seamless transition and continued progress on key initiatives. She joined UnitedHealth Group in 2000 and served in numerous leadership positions across many areas of the company before her retirement in 2019. In her most recent role as vice president, clinical services, she was responsible for implementing clinical technology strategies for all UnitedHealthcare products and business lines.
“Sheila’s extensive business expertise and dedication to the Y make her the ideal choice to guide the organization during this transition,” said Sorenson.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago will launch a nationwide search for its next President and CEO in February 2025. The search process will be conducted with the assistance of an executive search firm specializing in nonprofit leadership recruitment.
