Channel Islands YMCA Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Channel Islands YMCA has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and program delivery.

Driven by community impact, Channel Islands YMCA is dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing essential services and financial assistance to over 46,000 individuals annually.

Leadership Roles at Channel Islands YMCA

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Sal Cisneros
  • Chief Financial Officer - Cynthia Halstead
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler
  • Chief Operations Officer - Keola Taniguchi
  • Sal Cisneros - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Sal Cisneros, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Channel Islands YMCA, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization's seven branches across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Cisneros guides the non-profit's commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, ensuring alignment with its mission to strengthen communities. This leadership role involves fostering key relationships with stakeholders, community partners, and the board of directors to advance the Y's impact. Overseeing the organization's financial health and programmatic effectiveness, Sal Cisneros ensures that over $1.3 million in annual financial assistance reaches families in need for critical services like childcare, memberships, and youth programs. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of services, including Noah's Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter and other youth centers, to meet evolving community needs.
    Sal Cisneros

    Cynthia Halstead - Chief Financial Officer

    Cynthia Halstead, the Chief Financial Officer at Channel Islands YMCA, manages the organization's comprehensive financial operations and fiscal strategy. Halstead oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation across all seven branches, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This critical role involves safeguarding the organization's assets and optimizing financial performance to support the delivery of vital community programs. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the President & Chief Executive Officer and the board to develop long-term financial plans and manage investments. Cynthia Halstead ensures compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements, maintaining transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters. By meticulously managing the $1.3 million in financial assistance provided annually, Halstead directly supports the Y's mission to serve families in need across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

    Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler - Chief Operating Officer

    Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler, the Chief Operating Officer at Channel Islands YMCA, directs the day-to-day operational management and service delivery across the organization's extensive network of branches. Heinen-Stiffler ensures the efficient and effective execution of programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. This leadership position involves optimizing operational workflows, managing resources, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance community impact. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align operational strategies with the overall mission and financial goals. Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler oversees the operational integration of services like childcare, camps, and youth sports, ensuring high-quality experiences for over 46,000 individuals served. By driving operational excellence, Heinen-Stiffler supports the provision of over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families requiring support.
    Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler

    Keola Taniguchi - Chief Operations Officer

    Keola Taniguchi, the Chief Operations Officer at Channel Islands YMCA, spearheads the strategic development and implementation of operational frameworks that enhance program reach and effectiveness. Taniguchi focuses on the scalable delivery of services across the seven branches, ensuring that initiatives in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility are consistently executed. This role involves overseeing the operational integration of specialized services, including Noah's Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter and the St. George Family Youth Center, to maximize their impact on the community. The Chief Operations Officer works to streamline processes and improve resource utilization, directly supporting the organization's commitment to providing over $1.3 million in financial assistance. Keola Taniguchi drives operational innovation to meet the evolving needs of over 46,000 individuals served annually in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, ensuring the Y's continued strength as a community resource.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Channel Islands YMCA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Channel Islands YMCA?
    Channel Islands YMCA is led by Sal Cisneros (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cynthia Halstead (Chief Financial Officer) and Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Channel Islands YMCA’s executive team?
    The executive team of Channel Islands YMCA includes leaders such as Sal Cisneros (President & Chief Executive Officer), Cynthia Halstead (Chief Financial Officer), Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Channel Islands YMCA have?
    Channel Islands YMCA has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Channel Islands YMCA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Channel Islands YMCA includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operations Officer.