YMCA of Columbia Executive and Leadership Team

Jim Vietti, the Chief Executive Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. This leadership role involves aligning community wellness initiatives with the core mission of promoting health and youth development across Richland, Kershaw, Lexington, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. By managing the executive team and board relations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the long-term sustainability of charitable programs. Jim Vietti maintains focus on expanding access to fitness, aquatics, and child care services for diverse populations. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the Chief Executive Officer drives the implementation of Christian principles and values throughout all regional operations. This executive leadership guarantees that financial assistance remains available to qualified members, thereby strengthening the community fabric. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to maintain the high standards of service expected within the national YMCA network.

Kathleen Walsh, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Metro North) at YMCA of Columbia, leads specialized initiatives focused on expanding the reach of community wellness programs. This role involves tailoring service delivery to meet the unique demographic requirements of the Metro North region. Kathleen Walsh directs the development of partnerships that enhance the availability of youth development and fitness resources. By fostering relationships with local stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Metro North) secures the support necessary to sustain charitable operations. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of regional market dynamics to effectively deploy programs like swim lessons and child care. Through strategic planning and community engagement, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Metro North) ensures that the organization's core values remain central to all regional activities. This executive role drives growth by identifying new opportunities to serve families and seniors within the broader organizational framework.

Helen Breña, the Chief Executive Officer (Southern Maine) at YMCA of Columbia, oversees the strategic direction and operational success of programs within the Southern Maine territory. This role involves adapting the organization's mission to address specific regional health and wellness challenges. Helen Breña directs the implementation of fitness, aquatics, and youth sports initiatives, ensuring alignment with the national YMCA network standards. By managing local staff and resources, the Chief Executive Officer (Southern Maine) fosters a culture of caring and responsibility. This position requires active participation in community outreach to promote the accessibility of programs through financial assistance. Through effective leadership, the Chief Executive Officer (Southern Maine) drives the expansion of services that support families and individuals. This executive role ensures that the organization remains a pillar of the community by consistently delivering high-quality programs that promote physical and social well-being across the region.

Patricia Clynes, the Chief Financial Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the fiscal integrity and economic health of the nonprofit organization. Overseeing complex budgetary requirements, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the delivery of fitness classes, swim lessons, and youth sports across five counties. This role involves meticulous tracking of financial assistance programs to guarantee that services remain accessible to all community members. Patricia Clynes directs the allocation of capital for facility maintenance and program expansion, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term fiscal stability. By collaborating with the executive leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for strategic decision-making. This position requires constant monitoring of revenue streams and expense management to uphold the charitable mission. Through disciplined financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer protects the organization's ability to serve kids, adults, seniors, and families throughout the region.

Keith Gallagher, the Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the daily execution of programs and facility operations across the five-county service area. This role focuses on optimizing the delivery of fitness, aquatics, and youth sports to ensure high-quality member experiences. Keith Gallagher coordinates with site managers to maintain safety standards and operational efficiency in all locations. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of promoting health and wellness for diverse demographics. This leadership function involves evaluating program performance and adjusting service models to meet evolving community needs. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to implement policies that reflect the organization's core values of caring, honesty, and respect. Through consistent operational oversight, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every facility functions as a welcoming environment for families and individuals seeking personal growth and physical activity.

Kenneth Mierzykowski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Columbia, architects the logistical frameworks that support large-scale community programming. This role concentrates on the integration of complex service offerings, including child care and camps, across the organization's regional footprint. Kenneth Mierzykowski drives the development of scalable operational systems that enhance the efficiency of health and wellness initiatives. By aligning departmental workflows with the strategic goals set by the executive leadership, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless service delivery. This position involves managing cross-functional teams to improve member engagement and program participation rates. Through the implementation of standardized protocols, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer maintains consistency in service quality across all five counties. This leadership role remains vital for translating the organization's charitable mission into tangible, daily impacts for the families and individuals served by the network.

Kenneth Teague, the Chief Human Resources Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for organizational success. This role focuses on building a high-performing team capable of delivering exceptional fitness and youth development services. Kenneth Teague directs the implementation of training programs that emphasize the organization's core values of honesty, respect, and faith. By overseeing employee relations and performance management, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members remain aligned with the charitable mission. This position involves developing policies that promote a supportive and inclusive work environment across all five locations. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational needs of the organization while fostering professional growth. This leadership role is critical for maintaining the human capital required to provide high-quality care and wellness programming to the diverse communities served by the network.

Kimaree Lewis, the Chief People Officer at YMCA of Columbia, cultivates the organizational culture and employee engagement strategies that drive mission fulfillment. This role focuses on enhancing the internal experience for staff members who deliver fitness, aquatics, and child care services. Kimaree Lewis directs initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce, ensuring that the team reflects the community served. By designing programs that support staff well-being and professional development, the Chief People Officer strengthens the organization's ability to provide compassionate care. This position involves collaborating with leadership to align human capital strategies with the broader goals of health and wellness. Through the implementation of effective communication and feedback loops, the Chief People Officer maintains high levels of morale and commitment. This leadership role ensures that the organization attracts and retains the talent necessary to uphold its reputation as a community-focused charitable entity.

Jennifer Ainsworth, the Chief Operations Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the technical and administrative systems that underpin the organization's service delivery. This role focuses on the optimization of facility management and the logistical coordination of fitness and wellness programs. Jennifer Ainsworth directs the implementation of digital tools and operational protocols that improve member access to services like swim lessons and youth sports. By analyzing operational data, the Chief Operations Officer identifies opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs across the five-county network. This position involves working with site directors to ensure that all facilities meet safety and quality standards. Through rigorous process improvement, the Chief Operations Officer supports the organization's ability to provide accessible and impactful programs. This leadership role is essential for maintaining the infrastructure that allows the organization to serve kids, adults, and families effectively throughout the region.

Chelsey Roberts, the Director, Early Learning at YMCA of Columbia, oversees the curriculum and operational standards for child care and youth development programs. This role focuses on creating safe, nurturing environments that promote early childhood growth and learning. Chelsey Roberts directs the staff responsible for daily child care activities, ensuring that all programs adhere to the organization's core values of caring and responsibility. By developing partnerships with families and community stakeholders, the Director, Early Learning enhances the impact of youth-focused services. This position involves monitoring regulatory compliance and implementing best practices in early education to ensure high-quality outcomes. Through strategic program design, the Director, Early Learning supports the organization's mission to strengthen the community by investing in the next generation. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the trust of parents and providing a foundation for lifelong health and wellness for children across the region.