President/ceo

YMCA of the High Country is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their...

Job Description

YMCA of the High Country is an equal opportunity employer. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.


THE OPPORTUNITY AT YMCA OF THE HIGH COUNTRY
This is a unique opportunity to lead a growing, community-centered YMCA serving Avery and Mitchell counties in the mountains of western North Carolina. The Association is entering an important new chapter following the 2025 opening of the A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County and the addition of new youth and early-learning facilities in Avery County. The next President/CEO will build on this expansion by bringing the Association together around a clear vision, strengthening long-term financial sustainability, and deepening the Y’s impact across two rural counties. The President/CEO of YMCA of the High Country will work closely with the senior leadership team, Board of Directors, branch leaders, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to guide the Association through this period of transition and growth. The CEO will lead the development and implementation of a forward-looking strategic plan; strengthen coordination across the Association; and ensure that programs in youth development, healthy living, aquatics, early learning, community outreach, and social responsibility remain relevant, high quality, and financially sustainable.


The President/CEO is expected to be a visible, accessible, and engaged leader in both Avery and Mitchell counties. The CEO will cultivate strong relationships with members, staff, donors, local governments, schools, healthcare providers, foundations, and other nonprofit partners; strengthen the Association’s brand and community presence; and balance the distinct needs of each county with the priorities of one unified Association. A central responsibility will be maintaining strong financial stewardship while expanding earned revenue, philanthropy, partnerships, and mission impact.


ABOUT YMCA OF THE HIGH COUNTRY
YMCA of the High Country is a charitable, community-based organization serving children, families, adults, and older adults across Avery and Mitchell counties. Through two full-service branches and additional youth, athletic, early-learning, and community-based program sites, the Y provides welcoming places and programs that support health, belonging, learning, safety, and connection.

The Association’s roots date to 2007 in Avery County. Since then, it has grown from a single branch into a regional YMCA serving two rural mountain counties. Recent growth includes the Avery Youth Center and Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center in Avery County and the A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County, which opened in 2025. This expansion creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen Association-wide systems, culture, fundraising, and service delivery while honoring the identity and needs of each local community.

YMCA of the High Country primarily serves Avery and Mitchell counties in western North Carolina, including the communities of Linville, Newland, Banner Elk, Spruce Pine, and surrounding rural areas. Programs also reach residents through schools, outreach locations, community partnerships, and grant-supported initiatives.


Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.


Our Vision
To create a community where people have the opportunity to live healthy, all youth can be safe and reach their potential, and older adults have support to live quality, independent lives.


Our Impact

• Youth Development - we nurture the potential of children and teens through early learning, afterschool, summer camp, aquatics, athletics, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities.
• Healthy Living - we improve individual and community well-being through fitness, wellness, aquatics, evidence-based health interventions, and community outreach.
• Social Responsibility - we strengthen our communities through partnerships, volunteerism, food access, financial assistance, and programs that respond to local needs.

Our Culture and Guiding Principles

• We Are One Association - we work across branches, departments, and counties as one team while respecting the strengths and needs of each community.
• We Live Our Values - caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith guide how we serve members, support one another, and steward community resources.
• We Lead with Purpose - we keep the mission at the center of decisions and focus on programs and partnerships that create meaningful, measurable community impact.
• We Welcome All and Build Belonging - we strive to create safe, inclusive, relationship-centered environments where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn, grow, and thrive.

Current Strategic Priorities

• Strengthening Financial Sustainability - align staffing and operations with available resources, grow membership and program revenue, strengthen philanthropy, and build adequate reserves for long-term stability.
• Integrating a Two-County Association - create consistent systems, communication, accountability, and culture across Avery and Mitchell counties while remaining responsive to each community.
• Expanding Youth and Family Impact - strengthen early learning, afterschool, summer camp, aquatics, athletics, and other opportunities that help young people remain safe, supported, and prepared for success.
• Advancing Community Health and Connection - expand access to wellness, water safety, evidence-based health programs, food access, outreach, and opportunities that reduce isolation and improve quality of life.

Membership: Total Number of Members: 8,897 (4,343 Units)


Locations:


Facility / Program Site City/Town Opened Sq. Feet Members


Williams YMCA of Avery County Linville, NC 2007 29,800 4543
A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County Spruce Pine, NC 2025 18,000 4354
Blackburn Athletic Facility Linville, NC 2012 16,000 Capacity 282
O’Connell Field House Linville, NC 2012 6,500 Capacity
Avery Youth Center Avery County, NC 2025 1,088 Capacity 124
Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center Avery County, NC 2025 8,161 Capacity 43


Annual Support Campaign:

• 2026 Goal: $500,000
• 2025 Goal: $500,000

In addition to the Annual Support Campaign, YMCA of the High Country receives support through grants, sponsorships, special events, foundations, individual donors, and community partnerships. An annual golf tournament is held every May.


The Association’s philanthropic support helps provide financial assistance, sustain evidence-based health interventions, expand youth development and early-learning opportunities, support outreach, and ensure that programs remain accessible in rural communities.


Recent Capital Growth: The Association completed significant expansion in 2025 with the opening of the Avery Youth Center, Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center, and A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County.


Staff Team: The Association currently employs approximately 18 full-time and 180 part-time employees, with approximately 30 additional part-time seasonal employees during the summer. The workforce supports two branches, early learning day care, youth development, aquatics, wellness, athletics, outreach, development, finance, human resources, and Association operations.


Direct reports to the President/CEO include:

• Chief Development Officer/Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Human Resources Director

Governance: The Association is governed by one unified Board of Directors with approximately 12-14 members and community perspective from across the service area. Current standing committees include:

• Executive Committee
• Finance Committee

Financial Snapshot:

• 2026 Budget: $6,081,500
• Long-Term Debt: $1.2 million
• Endowment: $415,000
• Reserve Account: $350,000
• 2025 Operating Net: ($79,489)
• 2024 Operating Net: $454,404

Following a period of rapid expansion, the Association is focused on strengthening cash flow, aligning expenses with sustainable revenue, integrating operations across two counties, and building the fundraising and membership base needed to support long-term impact. The next CEO will inherit a committed board and staff team, strong community partnerships, valuable new facilities, and a clear mandate for disciplined, mission-centered growth.


ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Avery and Mitchell counties offer an exceptional quality of life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. The region combines close-knit small towns, strong civic pride, and a deep culture of service with year-round outdoor recreation and access to some of the state’s most recognized natural attractions. Residents value relationships, community involvement, and the opportunity to make a visible difference through local leadership.


The Association’s service area includes communities such as Linville, Newland, Banner Elk, Spruce Pine, and Bakersville. Each community has its own character, but the two counties share a strong commitment to children and families, health, education, and supporting neighbors. The area is home to active nonprofit, healthcare, education, tourism, arts, and small-business communities, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
The High Country provides a relaxed mountain lifestyle with manageable commutes and convenient access to regional destinations including Boone, Asheville, and the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee. Housing options range from established in-town neighborhoods to rural and mountain communities.


Outdoor recreation is part of daily life. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, fishing, paddling, golf, and scenic drives. The area also offers a strong local food and arts culture, seasonal festivals, community events, and higher-education resources including Lees-McRae College and Mayland Community College.


Nearby destinations include Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls and Linville Gorge, Mount Mitchell, Roan Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, Beech Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, and the North Toe River. This combination of natural beauty, welcoming communities, and opportunities for service makes the region an inviting place to live, work, and lead.


Nearby Attractions Include:

• Outdoor Recreation: Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, Linville Gorge, Roan Mountain, Mount Mitchell State Park
• Mountain Attractions: Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Linville Caverns, North Carolina Museum of Minerals
• Skiing and Winter Recreation: Beech Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing
• Arts and Culture: Penland School of Craft, Toe River Arts, local galleries, studios, festivals, and live music
• Water Recreation: North Toe River, Nolichucky River Gorge, Lake James, trout streams, waterfalls
• Colleges: Lees-McRae College, Mayland Community College; Appalachian State University is nearby in Boone
• Regional Access: Boone, Asheville, Johnson City and the Tri-Cities, and Charlotte
• Family and Community Activities: parks, youth sports, seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community events

Information Sites:


YMCA Website:


Avery County Information:


Mitchell County Information:


Regional Tourism:


Qualifications

Criteria for Candidates:

• Accredited 4-year college degree and or equivalent work experience.
• Fiscally sound business management approach with a proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management for an organization of comparable complexity and an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million or more.
• Minimum seven years prior experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees.
• Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships.
• Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economic and effectiveness in broadening our engagement in the communities in which we serve.
• Strategic planning and Fundraising experience including annual campaigns and the securing of grants.
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within 3 years.

Essential Functions

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:


Fiscal Management: Use high-level analysis to forecast financial trends, growth and stability, while consistently leading the organization to achieve a balanced or surplus results by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key Competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy


Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to implement the organization’s new strategic plan in a new way that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key Competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management


Improve Operating Performance: Engage the board and appropriate staff to develop an annual tactical plan for identifying and achieving key goals and objectives for operating with safe, relevant and sustainable practices. Quickly address issues that may arise, forecast future needs, and manage and direct the Y’s operations and activities. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Innovation


Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key Competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence


Position the Y as a Vital Partner for Community Change: Serve as an ambassador for the mission, purpose, and vision for the YMCA within the community. Develop and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, while always upholding the highest standards and values of the Y. Ensure your Y is seen as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Key Competencies: Communication & Influence, Engaging Community, Collaboration


Build and Lead Staff: Ensure a talent development system is in place and executed effectively with cultural competence. Hire, motivate, nurture, retain, and hold staff accountable for key objectives. Work towards recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting staff. Encourage the team by creating a spirit of camaraderie, connection, and sense of mission and purpose. Create a learning organization to help staff achieve their highest potential. Key Competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity, Change Leadership


SALARY, BENEFITS, & CRITERIA

Salary Range: 150,000-175,000 - to be confirmed by committee


Benefits:

• Health insurance: YBenefits for Employees paid 100% include Health, Dental, Vision, Life, EAP
• YMCA Retirement Fund: 12% paid by Y contribution once eligibility is met
• YMCA 403(b) or Roth savings account available
• Paid time off and holidays
• Complimentary YMCA membership
• Other benefits in accordance with Association personnel policy

Residency Expectation: Living within the YMCA’s two-county service area, or within a reasonable distance approved by the Board, is required.


SEARCH PROCESS TARGET DATES


Resumes accepted through October 16th


Preliminary interviews via Zoom scheduled: November 17 & 18


In-person Final interviews: December 15 & 16


New CEO on board (anticipated): January/February 2027


*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:


QUESTIONS

About the Search Process?


Sandy Morander
Director CEO Search
[email protected]
View phone number on click.appcast.io


About the YMCA?


PAIGE E. HUGHES MBA
President & Chief Executive Officer
NORTH CAROLINA ALLIANCE OF YMCAS
801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27607
O: View phone number on click.appcast.io | M: View phone number on click.appcast.io | [email protected]

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