THE OPPORTUNITY AT THE WABASH COUNTY YMCA
The CEO will provide visionary leadership and operational oversight for the YMCA. They will build upon our existing strengths while guiding the organization into the future — strengthening staff culture, expanding community engagement, ensuring financial sustainability, and deepening our positive local impact through programs and initiatives. The CEO will be a hands-on, relational leader who lives and serves within the community, fosters strong partnerships, and drives results aligned with our core values.
ABOUT THE WABASH COUNTY YMCA
At the Wabash County YMCA, we’re more than just a gym — we’re a cornerstone of community connection, wellness, and growth. Located downtown Wabash, Indiana, the Y is a place where people of all ages come together to grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body.
Our facility offers something for everyone and starts with being a vibrant hub for activity and engagement— from two full basketball gyms and an indoor tennis court with four pickleball courts, to a lap and activity pool, Child Watch, comprehensive Wellness Center offering cardio, free weights, and kinesis line equipment and cross fit area. In addition, we offer an indoor walk/run track, men’s and women’s saunas, group exercise studios, and even a rainforest-themed playroom for kids.
We’re also home to the Field of Dreams Sports Complex, featuring softball, football, and soccer fields, providing opportunities for youth and adults to learn, play, and compete in a fun and supportive environment.
Our dedicated, friendly, and knowledgeable staff are the heart of what we do — helping members reach their health and wellness goals while creating a welcoming space for everyone. From fitness programs and sports leagues to birthday parties, rentals, and community events, every day at the Y is a chance to make a difference.
If you’re passionate about wellness, community, and positive impact — the Wabash County YMCA is the place for you.
Our Mission
To foster wellness in our community.
Our Cause & Values
To strengthen the foundations of community and instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Our Culture:
- The Y Experience – The Y Experience is built from our mission and encompasses the values and philosophy by which we serve and operate
- Welcoming – We are open to all. We are a place where you can be yourself and find yourself in others.
- Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality.
- Hopeful – We believe in you and your potential to do good in the world.
- Nurturing – We support you as you become the best-version-of-yourself.
- Determined – Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you
Current Key Strategic Initiatives:
- Positively Impact Health Outcomes - Measurable change demonstrating the impact the YMCA is making in the community.
- Expand charitable support and partnerships - Increase resources, positioning the YMCA to consistently meet community needs today, tomorrow, and into the future.
- Position youth and families for success - Connecting resources to reduce barriers.
Membership: Total Number of Members: 5712
Branch Information:
- Main branch on Cass Street, Wabash (75,000 sq.ft building)
- Field of Dreams (FOD),(sports complex) at WaterRidge Parkway
Core Programs:
- Spring/Summer Soccer–Adult Soccer -FOD
- Parkinson’s
- Geri Fit
- Active Older Adult programs
- Swim Lessons
- Softball - FOD
- Pickleball
- Corporate Challenge
- After School care programming
- Summer Camp
- Summer School - SPARK
- Food program
- Youth/Adult basketball
- Food Pantry
Annual Support Campaign:
- Current Year Goal: $220K
- Prior Year’s Total: $295K
- Current Year’s Progress Toward Goal: past 100 % $267,573.00
- Total number of people receiving financial assistance prior year: 33% of membership
Recent Capital Campaign: New group exercise room addition $780K
CEO Direct Reports:
- VP of Mission Advancement
- VP of Operations
- Director of Facilities
Board of Directors: 16 members with the following standing committees:
- Finance Committee
- Building & Grounds Committee,
- Executive Committee
- Program Committee
Financial Snapshot:
- Current Annual Budget Size: $3M
- Current Debt: $0
- Current Endowment: $12M
- Last year operating net: +$138K
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Wabash County, Indiana offers a rural lifestyle with big city amenities. Residents and visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures - from hiking and camping at two nearby reservoirs to cycling on the Wabash River Trail and kayaking along the Wabash and Eel Rivers. The County also supports a thriving arts scene: The Honeywell Center and its affiliated venues including the 100-year old historic Eagles Theater, Drive-In Theater, and Charley Creek Gardens, host world-class performances and cultural events throughout the year.
When it comes to lifestyle, Wabash County stands out for its low-cost of living and strong sense of community. Housing is affordable, and it’s relatively easy to rent, build, or buy a home. The County also supports a family-oriented environment with walkable downtowns, excellent schools and childcare facilities, and year-round community events, such as First Fridays, farmers markets, and festivals in each of the county’s incorporated towns (Wabash, Lagro, Roann, LaFontaine, and North Manchester).
Beyond recreation and affordability, Wabash County is building toward long-term vibrancy and growth. Many projects are in progress related to housing, business and economic development, education, and arts and culture. Collaboration is key, and the county is blessed to have the public, private, and nonprofit sectors work well together to address shared goals.
Wabash County is a place where residents care for one another and jump in to serve and volunteer. We encourage anyone interested in relocating to Wabash County to check out the websites listed below and to listen to episodes from the ThriveIN Wabash County podcast, which highlight the stories of individuals, businesses, and organizations who are proud to call Wabash County home.
Information Sites:
YMCA Website: Wabash County YMCA | For a better us.™
City/County Website: Home / The City of Wabash, Indiana
Grow Wabash County: Economic Development & Chamber of Commerce
Tourism Bureau: Visit Wabash County
Local Podcast: Thrive IN Wabash County
Community Foundation Wabash County: CFWC | Imagine-Early Scholarship Program
University/College: Home - Manchester University
Arts & Culture: Honeywell Foundation
Hospital System: Parkview Wabash Hospital | Parkview Health
School System: MSD of Wabash County / School District | Wabash | Wabash City Schools
YMCA of the USA: YMCA of the USA - A Leading Nonprofit Organization
State Alliance: Indiana Alliance of YMCAs | Enhancing the relevancy and sustainability of Indiana YMCAs
Criteria for Candidates:
Education & Professional Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or advanced nonprofit leadership credential preferred.
- Preference for a minimum 5–10 years of senior leadership experience (nonprofit, mission-driven organization preferred; YMCA experience a plus).
- YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.
Leadership & Management
- Demonstrated success in building and leading teams.
- High emotional intelligence, leadership presence, servant mindset, and commitment to YMCA values.
- Experience in strategic planning, managing change, and driving organizational growth.
- Knowledge and successful experience managing financial resources and leading organizational development.
- Experience maintaining affordable access to services while achieving financial viability.
- Track record of growing membership and programs in a nonprofit or membership organization.
- Strong communication skills — written, oral, public speaking — and ability to represent the YMCA effectively.
Community Engagement & Relationships
- Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and engage in community outreach.
- Possess or have a willingness to learn and understand the needs of Wabash County and the region.
- An understanding of working in a small/medium-sized community and its unique dynamics.
- A willingness to be personally visible, active, and engaged in leadership of the community.
- Experience developing, managing, and growing partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Program & Mission Expertise
- Familiarity with youth sports programming, senior services, and enrichment programs for teens and families.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusivity, creating welcoming environments for people of all backgrounds, income levels, and ages.
KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF OUR NEXT CEO
The board believes its new CEO should be an experienced leader who has the background and qualities that will permit him or her to achieve excellence in the following roles:
Community Engagement & Partnerships: Serve as an ambassador for the Y’s mission, purpose, and vision for Wabash County and Northeast Indiana by attending community events, building strategic partnerships, volunteering, and forming meaningful relationships. Build and deepen partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, health providers, businesses, local government, and community groups. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other as well as through outreach initiatives, volunteer programs, and inclusive activities. Listen to, inspire, and engage diverse populations in the community to ensure programs meet real needs and promote belonging. Develop and maintain excellent relationships within the community and the Association, as well as within the state, regional, national, and international YMCA movements. Key Competencies: Communication & Influence, Inclusivity, Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Collaboration
Strategic Leadership and Vision: Lead development, implementation, and communication of a strategic plan that aligns with community needs, the Y’s mission, and organizational goals. Model YMCA core values through visible leadership, community presence, and personal integrity. Key Competencies: Servant Leadership, Understanding of local needs, Vision, Willingness to form partnerships
Staff Leadership: Ensure a talent development system is in place, and hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Foster a strong internal culture by inspiring, engaging, supporting, and developing staff, building teamwork and accountability, and ensuring staff feel valued and motivated. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Emotional Maturity, Servant Leadership, Innovation
Operations and Fiscal Management: Ensure a safe, welcoming, and high-quality facilities and program environment for members, families, and staff. Oversee all program areas (youth, adults, seniors, wellness, outreach etc.), ensuring they are responsive to current and future community needs and inclusive of all ages and backgrounds. When issues arise, be quick to address them with respect and transparency. Lead annual budgeting, oversight of financial performance, and long-term financial planning to maintain organizational health and affordability for participants. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Transparency, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others
Fundraising and Sustainability: Lead major gifts fundraising and work alongside the Vice President of Mission Advancement to develop and implement an annual fundraising plan, stewardship activities, and endowment-building strategies. Establish and cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, members, and philanthropic entities to support mission-driven initiatives. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence
Board & Governance Collaboration: Work closely with the Board of Directors to support governance, goals, policy, and strategy. Keep the board informed of key metrics, strategic progress, risks, and opportunities. Support board recruitment, development, and engagement to reflect community diversity and strengthen leadership. Key Competencies: Collaboration, Transparency, Active Listening, Communication, Clarity
SALARY & BENEFITS
Salary Range: Approximately $100,000 to $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- YMCA Retirement (10% paid by Y, 2% by employee) contribution once eligibility is met
- YMCA 403B savings account
- Health plan (75%% paid by Y, 25% by employee)
- Life insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO): days determined by years of service per personnel policy
- Family compensated membership to the Wabash County YMCA
- HSA Account $1K year - extra $500 w/ exercise
- Partial cell phone reimbursement $
Residency Expectation: Living in Wabash County is preferred. It is expected that the CEO be fully engaged in the communities the Y serves, visible in facilities to members, donors, program participants, and community leaders.
SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES
- Resumes accepted through: January 02, 2026
- Preliminary interviews scheduled: February 12-13, 2026
- In-person interviews: February 23-24, 2026
- CEO selection made: February 26 or later
- New CEO on board (anticipated): March / April
*dates subject to change
HOW TO APPLY
References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:
Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO. The YMCA's personnel policies may require further screening.
Candidates must apply via the following website: https://tinyurl.com/wabash-county-ymca-ceo
QUESTIONS
About the Search Process?
Shaneé Jenkins, Sr. Director, Executive Leadership-CEO Search, shanee.jenkins@ymca.net, 312-416-0852
About the YMCA?
Wade Hampton, CEO, Indiana State Alliance of YMCAs, wade@indianaymcas.org, 312-237-7906
