YMCA of Columbia Executive and Leadership Team

Jim Vietti, the Chief Executive Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the overarching strategic vision and mission-driven initiatives across the organization. By aligning organizational goals with the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all community programs remain accessible to diverse populations. Vietti oversees the expansion of health and wellness offerings throughout the five-county service area, maintaining high standards for youth development and family support services. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure long-term sustainability and community impact. Through rigorous oversight of regional operations, Jim Vietti drives the organization toward greater inclusivity and financial health. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the charitable mission while scaling essential services to meet the evolving needs of residents across South Carolina.

Harold Nichols, the Chief Executive Officer & Member of the Board at YMCA of Columbia, governs the intersection of executive strategy and fiduciary oversight. As a primary liaison between the organization and the Board, the Chief Executive Officer & Member of the Board ensures that all operational decisions reflect the foundational Christian principles of the nonprofit. Nichols manages high-level governance protocols, ensuring that the organization remains compliant with national YMCA network standards while serving the specific needs of the local community. This role involves evaluating long-term growth opportunities and strengthening community partnerships to enhance the reach of fitness, aquatics, and child care programs. By balancing administrative accountability with mission-focused advocacy, Harold Nichols secures the future of the organization. The Chief Executive Officer & Member of the Board maintains a steadfast commitment to community wellness and organizational excellence.

Jessica Wolfrom, the Chief Financial Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire nonprofit organization. By overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and the administration of financial assistance programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the mission remains accessible to all community members regardless of economic status. Wolfrom directs the financial planning necessary to sustain fitness classes, aquatics, and child care services across the five-county footprint. This leadership role involves rigorous monitoring of revenue streams and expenses to maintain long-term stability and support capital investments in facility infrastructure. Through strategic financial management, Jessica Wolfrom enables the organization to expand its reach and impact. The Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary economic foundation for the successful delivery of programs that promote health, wellness, and youth development throughout the region.

Keith Gallagher, the Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the daily execution of fitness and wellness programs across all five regional locations. By optimizing facility usage and streamlining the delivery of swim lessons and youth sports, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every member receives high-quality service. Gallagher coordinates with site managers to maintain safety standards and operational efficiency, directly impacting the member experience. This leadership role involves analyzing program participation data to refine service offerings and maximize community engagement. Through the implementation of standardized operational procedures, Keith Gallagher supports the broader mission of promoting health and wellness throughout the service area. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the organization remains a reliable resource for families, seniors, and youth across the diverse counties served by the network.

Kenneth Mierzykowski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Columbia, architects the strategic expansion of supply chain logistics and facility maintenance programs. By focusing on the physical infrastructure and resource distribution across the five-county network, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all fitness centers and aquatic facilities operate at peak capacity. Mierzykowski coordinates large-scale projects to upgrade equipment and improve the safety of community spaces. This leadership role involves integrating advanced logistical solutions to support the delivery of camps and child care services. Through the optimization of internal systems, Kenneth Mierzykowski enhances the overall efficiency of the organization. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer maintains a commitment to operational reliability, ensuring that the physical environment supports the health and wellness goals of the entire community.

Kenneth Teague, the Chief Human Resources Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. By fostering a workplace environment rooted in the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members remain aligned with the charitable mission. Teague manages the recruitment and training of personnel across all five locations, ensuring that every team member possesses the skills required to deliver high-quality youth sports, camps, and fitness instruction. This leadership role involves developing comprehensive benefits and retention strategies to support a diverse workforce. Through the implementation of effective human capital management, Kenneth Teague drives organizational performance and service quality. The Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a focus on building a resilient team capable of meeting the complex needs of the community.

Jennifer Ainsworth, the Chief Operations Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the programmatic integration of health and wellness services across the regional network. By focusing on the development and execution of fitness classes and swim lessons, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that program offerings meet the diverse needs of kids, adults, and seniors. Ainsworth monitors program performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth and community engagement. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to refine service delivery models and improve member satisfaction. Through the implementation of innovative programming, Jennifer Ainsworth drives the organization toward greater community impact. The Chief Operations Officer maintains a focus on operational consistency, ensuring that every location provides a welcoming and supportive environment that reflects the core values of the organization while serving the residents of the five-county area.

Kimaree Lewis, the Chief People Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the internal engagement and professional growth strategies for the entire staff. By focusing on leadership development and the cultivation of a mission-driven culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that employees remain motivated to serve the community. Lewis manages the implementation of performance management systems and internal communication channels to align staff efforts with the organization's core values. This leadership role involves designing programs that promote staff well-being and professional advancement, which directly impacts the quality of youth development and wellness services. Through the strategic management of human capital, Kimaree Lewis supports the organization's ability to attract and retain top talent. The Chief People Officer maintains a focus on building a cohesive and effective team capable of delivering exceptional service to families across the region.

Chelsey Roberts, the Director, Early Learning at YMCA of Columbia, directs the curriculum and operational standards for all child care and early development programs. By focusing on the educational and social needs of young children, the Director, Early Learning ensures that every child receives high-quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Roberts manages the staff responsible for early childhood education, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's commitment to youth development. This leadership role involves coordinating with parents and community stakeholders to provide accessible and impactful early learning opportunities. Through the implementation of evidence-based practices, Chelsey Roberts drives the success of the organization's child care initiatives. The Director, Early Learning maintains a focus on fostering a positive foundation for children, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted partner for families throughout the five-county service area.