The Gateway Family YMCA Names Melynda A. Disla As New CEO

tgfymca.org

Melynda A. Disla, Chief Executive Officer

“Melynda’s dedication and commitment to our YMCA, and her extensive non-profit management experience and team leadership skills have allowed our YMCA to excel, grow and thrive,” stated James Masterson, President, Board of Directors.

The Gateway Family YMCA Names Melynda A. Disla As New CEO

tgfymca.org

Board of Directors Announces Melynda A. Disla as Chief Executive Officer

UNION COUNTY, NJ (November 1, 2022) — James Masterson, President, Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of The Gateway Family YMCA have named Melynda A. Disla as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2022.

In her new role, Ms. Disla will be responsible for leading The Gateway Family YMCA’s strategic vision and planning, operational programs and services, capital expansion, fundraising and organizational growth.  As a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community in 17 neighborhoods in Eastern Union County and Northern Middlesex County, providing housing and social services in Elizabeth and Plainfield, and WISE Community Services and supportive housing throughout Union County and Northern Middlesex County, The Gateway Family YMCA supports over 300 individuals, families and veterans each evening in residential housing programs, and 10,000 individuals and families in YMCA programming each month through six YMCA branches.

“Melynda’s dedication and commitment to our YMCA, and her extensive non-profit management experience and team leadership skills have allowed our YMCA to excel, grow and thrive,” stated James Masterson, President, Board of Directors.   “Her passion for community service and commitment to staff development provides a strong foundation for the vision and mission of The Gateway Family YMCA.  I look forward to her leadership as we continue to serve our community.”

“I am excited for this new chapter in my career and the opportunity to shape the future of The Gateway Family YMCA.  My goal is to ensure that the Y succeeds in meeting the unique needs of the communities we serve, and continues to expand our impact and collaborative partnerships to build equitable communities.  Our Y will continue to implement innovative programs and services, ensuring that everyone has access to thrive,” stated Melynda A. Disla, CEO.  “My vision is for our Y to continue to be the safe place in the community for all, a strong leader in community growth, service, equity, program and digital innovation.”

Ms. Disla comes to this role with an extensive 27 years of experience in non-profit management.  She has served The Gateway Family YMCA since 2006, most recently serving as The Gateway Family YMCA’s EVP/Chief Operating Officer, where she was responsible for directing the operations of the YMCA’s six branches, as well as the Y’s Strategic Initiatives which include Shaping Elizabeth and Shaping Eastern Union County, Community Health Initiatives (CHI).  Ms. Disla led the YMCA throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic, and oversaw the Y’s 24-hour housing and social services operations, the successful expansion of digital and virtual services, as well as the reopening of branches and programs.

Throughout her tenure at The Gateway Family YMCA, Ms. Disla has proven to be a leader for organizational change and growth.  Under Ms. Disla’s leadership, the combined role overseeing the Five Points Branch, Wellness Center Branch and WISE (Wellness, Independence and Socialization for our Elders) Center Branch grew to be one of the largest branch operations in New Jersey in 2010.  During 2011 she was honored to receive the George Williams Special Project Award from the Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP) for her outstanding career accomplishments.  In January 2013, Ms. Disla was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and moved to the YMCA’s corporate headquarters in Elizabeth, NJ.

Serving the community since 1900, The Gateway Family YMCA has grown to be the 5th largest YMCA in the State of New Jersey.  In 2012, The Gateway Family YMCA joined a distinguished group of YMCAs as a Mid-Major YMCA, and was ranked as the 108th largest YMCA in the United States in 2019.  Prior to the pandemic, The Gateway Family YMCA served approximately 25,000 members yearly through six YMCA branches.  YMCA programs and services include extensive residential housing and social services, child care, WISE Community Services, chronic disease management and traditional YMCA programming.

As announced in 2021, Ms. Disla follows Krystal R. Canady in a planned succession following her October 31,2022 retirement.

James Masterson and the Board of Directors announced Rodger D. Koerber, VP of Operations will succeed Melynda A. Disla as The Gateway Family YMCA’s Chief Operating Officer, also effective November 1, 2022.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other.  Working locally, the Y focuses on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities.  By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y ensure that all have access to the opportunities, relationships and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA visit www.tgfymca.org.

The Gateway Family YMCA