YMCA of Youngstown Names First Female CEO

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – As the YMCA of Youngstown celebrated 140 years of serving the community in 2023, it also appointed its first female leader.

Beth Scheller was named president and CEO, marking a “pivotal moment in the organization’s history, signifying progress and inclusivity,” says Marykaye Carlson, vice president of advancement.

Rebounding from the challenges created by Covid-19, more than 25,000 members joined the YMCA since March 2020, including 8,300 in 2023, she reports. Membership revenue increased 11.8% compared with 2022.

The YMCA served more than 16,800 program participants in 2023, Carlson says. As a service provider for Ohio Jobs and Family Services TANF funding, the organization provided hundreds of youths ages 3 to 18 an opportunity to participate in programs, eliminating the cost barrier.

The Davis Family YMCA in Boardman celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. The Central YMCA completed renovations as part of an effort to preserve and modernize the 108-year-old facility. Its deep pool underwent major renovations to the ceiling, lighting and HVAC system. Locker room upgrades and repairs to the building exterior also were made.

At Camp Fitch YMCA in North Springfield, Pa., more than 10,000 participants experienced outdoor programs. Summer camp served more than 2,400 youths, its third largest attendance with a resurgence of participation from Youngstown City Schools students, Carlson says. Facility improvements included parking lot renovations and water plant upgrades.

The YMCA also launched YMCA360, an online platform offering hundreds of on-demand and livestream classes for members.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.