The Opportunity:
The West Cook YMCA is a renowned community organization with a strong financial foundation and a proven track record of innovation, seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As the CEO of this respected organization, you will oversee a highly skilled team and lead the charge in expanding our programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the greater Oak Park community. Your passion for community engagement, coupled with your strategic vision, will be instrumental in driving our mission forward.
The YMCA is a volunteer-led organization, the Board of Directors is responsible for providing strategic direction and ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and working closely with its Executive Committee, the CEO will play a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, building on the Y’s legacy, foster innovation, and strengthening the organizational capacity to impact the people and the communities the Y serves. The CEO will be expected to provide transparent leadership, fostering collaboration and accountability among the Board, staff, and volunteers.
About the West Cook YMCA:
Founded on December 31, 1902, the Oak Park YMCA and the first meeting of the Board of Directors was held to elect officers. The Oak Park YMCA building was dedicated in 1904 and at the time, the swimming pool building was the second largest in the country behind Chicago Central YMCA. Physical education for both men and women was provided along with dormitories with 85 rooms and 107 beds. The current facility was dedicated in 1954. In the early 2000s, the Y changed its name to the West Cook YMCA to encompass the nine additional communities it serves surrounding Oak Park which includes Forest Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Maywood, Bellwood, Stone Park, River Grove, and Franklin Park.
Today, the West Cook YMCA continues to fulfill its promise to strengthen the foundation of our communities with mission-based programs that meet the needs of today’s youth, families, adults, and seniors. We encourage, teach, and demonstrate the YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all programs.
Our Mission:
The West Cook YMCA, rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition, is dedicated to developing the spirit, mind, and body of all persons through quality leadership, programs and services, in cooperation with community groups for the common good.
Our Cause & Values:
To strengthen the foundations of community and instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen the community. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, ability, cultural background, faith, gender identity, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential with dignity. We share values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Current Key Strategic Initiatives: https://www.westcookymca.org/strategic-plan
• How will the West Cook YMCA increase accessibility to programs and services to reduce inequities in our communities, especially among youth?
• What role will the West Cook YMCA have in reducing or delaying the impacts of social determinants of health and increasing overall well-being?
• How can we transform current and access new program space to ensure we achieve our full mission impact?
• How can the West Cook YMCA build the public’s awareness and interest for the value of the Y’s impact among influential stakeholders in our communities?
Membership: https://www.westcookymca.org/membership-information
• Total Number of Members: 1774 Member Units
• Total Number of Membership Units:
o 10% Youth
o 28% Adults
o 31% Household
o 31% Senior
Core Programs: Membership Booklet
• Aquatics
• Swim Team
• Signature Afterschool, and Power Scholars Academy, E-sport, Healthy Weight and Your Child
• Group Exercise - in person, on demand, live streaming
• Chronic Disease Prevention: Diabetes Prevention, Hypertension, Weight Loss, LiveStrong,
• Youth and Adult Sports: Pickleball, Healthy Aging, Yoga, Fitness programs, Certification and Trainings
• Resident – Single Room Occupancy
Staff:
• FT: 22 staff, 71%
• PT: 9 staff, 29%
CEO Direct Reports: https://www.westcookymca.org/our-leadership
• Rebecca Boblett – Interim CEO / COO
• Luis Lazaro – V.P. of Administration and Business Intelligence
• Jessica Bullock – Chief Transformation officer
Staff Demographics:
• Gender:
o 48% Female
o 48% Male
o 3% Not Specified
• Race and Ethnicity:
o 3% Asian
o 10% Black or African American
o 39% Hispanic or Latino
o 48% White
Board of Directors:
• Number of Governing Board Members: 9
• Board Demographics:
• Gender:
o Two - 22% Female
o Seven - 78% Male
• Race and Ethnicity:
o 12% Black or African American
o 22% Hispanic or Latino
o 66% White
• Committees:
o Executive, Finance and Governance.
o The board meets quarterly 3rd Saturday in January, April, July, and October
Financial:
• Current Annual Budget Size: $4,637,599
• Current Debt:
o Capital Lease Obligation: $65,303
o Capital Lease Obligation: $49,857
o SBA Note: $150,000
• Line of Credit: $0
• Current Endowment: $433,759
About the Area:
Oak Park, Illinois, is a charming suburb of Chicago nestled around wonderful communities including Forest Park. The area offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. The area is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and diverse community. Here's a glimpse of what life is like:
Oak Park is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, which preserves and promotes the legacy of the renowned architect. You can explore several of his iconic homes and buildings, including the Robie House and the Unity Temple. Residents can explore an 18-acre botanical garden in Forest Park with a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The Oak Park Arts Festival is a popular annual event that showcases local artists and craftspeople. The area has a thriving arts scene with theaters, galleries, and music venues offering a variety of performances and exhibitions.
The area is a diverse community with a mix of residents from different backgrounds, making it a welcoming and inclusive place to live. The villages offer numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The area has a strong educational system with many options of elementary, high, and university-level institutions, making it an attractive destination for families seeking quality education for their children, teens, and young adults.
Oak Park is conveniently located near major highways and public transportation options, making it easy to commute to Chicago and other nearby areas. A variety of shopping and dining options, from local boutiques to chain stores and restaurants in downtown Oak Park.
Living in the Oak Park area offers a high quality of life, combining the best of both worlds: the charm of a suburban community with the convenience and cultural offerings of a major city. If you're looking for a vibrant and welcoming place to call home, Oak Park is definitely the place.
Information Sites:
West Cook YMCA
YMCA of the USA
Village of Oak Park
Cook County
Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce
Dominican University
Concordia University
Rush Oak Park
Loyola Medicine
West Suburban Medical Center
School Systems – District 97, District 90, District 89, District 91, District 200, District 209
Visit Oak Park
Downtown Oak Park
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum
Unity Temple