After 22 years with the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce and more than 40 years with the YMCA organization, CEO Gayle Graham has announced that she will retire at the end of this year in December 2020.

Gayle has a long history with the organization. She began her career with the Winnipeg YM-YWCA where she worked for 19 years. In November 1997, she came to Owen Sound to fill the role of CEO and has been leading the association for 22 years. In that time she has helped with significant changes, including leading a Capital Campaign and opening a new Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility in 2012, opening several Child Care centres throughout Grey and Bruce Counties, and expanding Community & Employment programs.

When asked about her retirement, Gayle stated: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, the opportunities, the challenges, and most especially the relationships with families, members, volunteers, donors, partners and staff. Being a part of an organization that impacts the quality of life in our community so positively has provided me with great personal and professional fulfillment. I couldn’t have had a better career than here at the Family Y!”

“Our Board is very grateful for the leadership provided by Gayle and we wish her all the best in her retirement,” added Y Board President Gwynne Potter. “Gayle has been instrumental in the continual evolution of our Y into the impactful, community focused and strong Y we have today. She has built an extremely dedicated staff-volunteer team and has always empowered everyone to do their best. Gayle’s contributions to the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce have left our community stronger, and she leaves a tremendous and impactful legacy. The Y is positioned for an exciting future serving our community.“

In preparation for the upcoming leadership transition, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Board of Directors has established a CEO selection committee to begin a search process, with support from YMCA Canada. Once recruitment has begun, the job posting will be available at www.ymcaowensound.on.ca.

source: media release, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce