YMCA of Columbia Executive and Leadership Team

Jim Vietti, the Chief Executive Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the overarching mission to strengthen community health and wellness. Overseeing the strategic vision across five regional locations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with Christian principles and core values. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board and community stakeholders to expand program accessibility through financial assistance initiatives. By prioritizing youth development and fitness accessibility, Jim Vietti drives the organization toward long-term sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer monitors the impact of aquatics, child care, and sports programs to maintain high standards of service delivery. Through consistent engagement with regional partners, Vietti secures the resources necessary to support diverse populations across Richland, Kershaw, Lexington, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. This executive focus remains firmly on scaling charitable outreach while maintaining the operational integrity of the entire nonprofit network.

Harold Nichols, the Chief Executive Officer & Member of the Board at YMCA of Columbia, governs the strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities of the organization. As a key member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer & Member of the Board architects policies that uphold the mission of promoting health and wellness. This role involves deep collaboration with executive leadership to ensure that all programs, including fitness classes and camps, reflect the core values of caring and honesty. Harold Nichols evaluates organizational performance against community needs to optimize resource allocation across the five-county service area. By bridging the gap between governance and daily operations, the Chief Executive Officer & Member of the Board maintains the nonprofit status and charitable impact of the organization. Nichols facilitates high-level decision-making processes that protect the long-term viability of the YMCA network while expanding access to essential youth and family services.

Kathleen Walsh, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Metro North) at YMCA of Columbia, leads the strategic expansion of wellness initiatives within the Metro North service area. Overseeing the development of specialized programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Metro North) ensures that community health goals align with the broader mission of the organization. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with local stakeholders to increase participation in fitness and youth development activities. Kathleen Walsh directs the implementation of regional strategies that promote faith and community engagement. By focusing on the unique needs of the Metro North population, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Metro North) enhances the overall impact of the YMCA of Columbia. Walsh monitors program outcomes to ensure that services remain accessible and effective for all families. This executive leadership role drives growth by tailoring wellness offerings to the specific demographic requirements of the region.

Emma Reiser, the Chief Financial Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire nonprofit organization. Overseeing financial reporting and resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds support the expansion of fitness, aquatics, and child care programs. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from membership fees and charitable donations to sustain the organization's mission across five counties. Emma Reiser coordinates with the Board to implement financial assistance programs that provide equitable access to community members. By maintaining rigorous accounting standards, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the assets of the YMCA of Columbia. Reiser monitors operational costs to maximize the efficiency of service delivery in Richland, Kershaw, Lexington, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. This financial oversight remains critical to the organization's ability to provide consistent, high-quality wellness services to diverse populations while adhering to strict nonprofit regulatory requirements.

Keith Gallagher, the Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the daily execution of fitness and wellness programs across all five regional locations. Focusing on internal scaling and facility management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that aquatics, youth sports, and child care services meet community expectations. This leadership role involves optimizing staff workflows and maintaining the physical infrastructure necessary for high-quality program delivery. Keith Gallagher implements operational protocols that align with the organization's core values of respect and responsibility. By streamlining service delivery, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the member experience throughout the South Carolina service area. Gallagher monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth in fitness class participation and camp enrollment. This operational focus supports the broader mission of the YMCA of Columbia by ensuring that every facility functions efficiently to serve kids, adults, seniors, and families with consistent excellence.

Kenneth Mierzykowski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Columbia, oversees the strategic integration of supply chain logistics and program development. Focusing on the logistical requirements of the organization's five locations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that equipment and resources are available for all fitness and youth sports activities. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional managers to standardize service quality across Richland, Kershaw, Lexington, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. Kenneth Mierzykowski drives initiatives that improve the efficiency of child care and swim lesson operations. By managing the complex logistics of a multi-site nonprofit, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer supports the organization's ability to reach more community members. Mierzykowski evaluates operational data to refine service delivery models, ensuring that the YMCA of Columbia remains a leader in health and wellness through superior logistical planning and execution.

Jeff Forcari, the President at YMCA of Columbia, provides high-level leadership to advance the organization's charitable mission. Overseeing the strategic direction of the YMCA of Columbia, the President ensures that all programs promote health, wellness, and youth development. This leadership role involves representing the organization in the broader community and fostering relationships that support the growth of the YMCA network. Jeff Forcari collaborates with the Board and executive team to set long-term goals that align with the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. By driving the vision for the organization, the President ensures that financial assistance remains available to qualified members. Forcari monitors the overall impact of the YMCA of Columbia to ensure that the organization continues to strengthen the community. This executive role is vital for maintaining the organization's reputation and ensuring that its services remain accessible to all families across the five-county service area.

Kenneth Teague, the Chief Human Resources Officer at YMCA of Columbia, manages the recruitment, training, and retention of the workforce across all five locations. Overseeing the development of staff who deliver fitness, aquatics, and child care services, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the team embodies the organization's core values. This leadership role involves creating professional development programs that empower employees to support the community effectively. Kenneth Teague implements policies that foster a culture of caring and respect within the workplace. By aligning human capital strategies with the organization's mission, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a high standard of service across Richland, Kershaw, Lexington, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. Teague monitors employee engagement and performance to ensure that the YMCA of Columbia attracts and retains top talent. This focus on human resources is essential for sustaining the quality of programs that promote health and wellness for all members.

Kimaree Lewis, the Chief People Officer at YMCA of Columbia, directs the organizational culture and internal communication strategies. Focusing on the well-being and professional growth of the staff, the Chief People Officer ensures that every team member understands the mission of strengthening the community. This leadership role involves designing initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity within the workforce. Kimaree Lewis facilitates programs that encourage staff to live out the core values of faith, honesty, and responsibility in their daily interactions with members. By building a supportive environment, the Chief People Officer enhances the overall effectiveness of the YMCA of Columbia. Lewis coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that human-centric policies support the organization's operational goals. This focus on the people behind the programs ensures that the YMCA of Columbia remains a welcoming and impactful organization for kids, adults, seniors, and families throughout the region.

Jennifer Ainsworth, the Chief Operations Officer at YMCA of Columbia, oversees the strategic implementation of fitness and wellness programs. Focusing on the quality and safety of aquatics and youth sports, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that all facilities operate in accordance with the organization's high standards. This leadership role involves managing the day-to-day activities that keep the five locations running smoothly for the community. Jennifer Ainsworth coordinates with program directors to refine the curriculum for swim lessons and child care services. By optimizing the use of space and equipment, the Chief Operations Officer maximizes the number of members served across the five-county area. Ainsworth monitors operational efficiency to ensure that the YMCA of Columbia provides consistent value to its members. This focus on operational excellence supports the organization's mission by creating a safe, welcoming, and effective environment for health and wellness activities.