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Seven Illinois YMCA Staff Complete 9-Month Multicultural Executive Advancement (MECA) Program

MECA 2024

[Chicago IL, September 9, 2024]— The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs announces the successful completion of the MECA program by seven Illinois YMCA staff members. The seven members graduating from the Illinois cohort are: 

  • Courtney Brame – Gateway Region YMCA
  • Courtney Stevenson – Gateway Region YMCA
  • Nia Jeffery – Gateway Region YMCA
  • Mike Ortiz – North Suburban YMCA
  • Megan Vasquez – North Suburban YMCA
  • Michael Monis – YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
  • Keesiya Robertson – YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Coaches for the 2024 Illinois MECA Cohort were:

  • Chasity Everett – Program Manager – Learning & Development - YUSA
  • Julio Vega -Director, Strategic Intervention – Network Experience - YUSA
  • Ken Strawbridge – District VP – Gateway Region YMCA
  • Glenn Haley – CEO – IL State Alliance of YMCAs

The Illinois State Alliance congratulates the graduates on their hard work and dedication to professional development. The Alliance thanks the volunteer coaches for their time in mentoring the next leaders of the YMCA movement.

The Multicultural Executive Career Advancement (MECA) is a professional development experience designed to prepare multicultural staff for their first Executive Director position. MECA was developed in response to the increasing number of requests from YMCAs asking Y-USA’s Multicultural Leadership Development and other networks to help them recruit a more diverse pool of Executive Directors candidates. MECA was created by YMCA Executive Directors who are Multicultural Executive Development Institute alumni to develop a pipeline within the Movement of Branch Executives who are representative of our changing population. 

The objective of MECA is to prepare emerging leaders of color for Executive Director positions utilizing the 70/20/10 learning model. It is a hands-on developmental experience focused on specific competencies identified as necessary for success within the Executive Director position. MECA includes a blend of experiences, professional assessments, practicums and stretch assignments to provide a unique learning experience focused on preparing participants to succeed in achieving a branch executive position. 

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The Y. For a better us.®

The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs brings together more than 800 YMCA program locations impacting more than 150 communities and engaging nearly 1 million Illinoisans to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Learn more at illinoisymcas.org.

Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs Welcomes Glenn Haley as New CEO
Haley Brings 35-plus Years Experience to the Organization

[Rockford IL, March 14, 2024]— The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs proudly announces the appointment of Glenn Haley as the new CEO, effective February 12, 2024. After serving as Interim CEO since June 2023, Mr. Haley was chosen by the Illinois Alliance’s Board of Directors to succeed the esteemed Paul Stanzione, who retired. In his new role, Haley will spearhead initiatives such as advocacy, engagement and service delivery.

“Haley has spent the last several months learning about who we are as an Alliance and advising us on how to move forward, getting to know his staff and many CEOs across the state, as well as hosting many state and regional conferences. He has shown us he can and will lead us with grace and tenacity” said Angie Sowle, Board President. “The Board is very excited to see what we can accomplish under Glenn’s leadership.”

“I am thrilled to become a part of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs family,” said Glenn Haley. Glenn’s journey with the Y began as a child, learning how to swim at the Walnut Street YMCA in Wilmington, DE. From there, Glenn has worked for Y’s on the East Coast, deep South, MidAmerica, and the West Coast. He has steadily grown in his career, serving as Aquatics Director, Health and Wellness Director, Executive Director, Vice President of Programs, Vice President of Operations, and CEO.

Prior to serving as the interim CEO for the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs, Glenn served as an independent specialty consultant to Y’s across the nation, specializing in interim executive leadership, debt restructure, capital/annual campaign assessment/readiness, executive coaching, board and volunteer development. Before becoming an independent consultant, Glenn served as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland for 13 years (a $27 million organization with 12 full Y facilities, 2 program centers, 28 child development sites, 178 full-time and 800 part-time employees). As CEO, Glenn raised $47 million over 10 years to construct 6 new YMCA facilities.

Haley holds a Masters degree in Organizational Development and Leadership, Non-Profit Management from Springfield College, Springfield, MA, further solidifying his commitment to excellence in leadership. The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs eagerly anticipates a new era of growth and community impact under Haley’s visionary guidance.

The Alliance staff team also includes Christy Filby, Director of Public Policy and Statewide Initiatives and Wendy Bonilla, Director of Alliance Services and Special Projects. Click here to view Alliance Initiatives and the corresponding Alliance contact.

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The Y. For a better us.®

The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs brings together more than 800 YMCA program locations impacting more than 150 communities and engaging nearly 1 million Illinoisans to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.