YWCA USA Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

YWCA USA has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, human resources, organizational operations, and executive leadership.

Dedicated to advancing justice and human rights, YWCA USA empowers women through sustainable development initiatives and advocacy programs across the United States.

Leadership Roles at YWCA USA

  • Chief Executive Officer & Director - Cathy Jones
  • Chief Financial Officer - Taryn Payne
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dalila Cardona
  • President, Human Resources & Executive - Anne Motsenbocker
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Laura Garza
  • Interim Chief Operations Officer - Kishshana Palmer
  • Cathy Jones - Chief Executive Officer & Director

    Cathy Jones, the Chief Executive Officer & Director at YWCA USA, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Jones architects high-level advocacy programs focused on peace, justice, and human rights across the American landscape. By aligning the mission with sustainable development goals, the Chief Executive Officer & Director ensures the organization maintains a robust presence in the non-profit sector. Cathy Jones manages relationships with the Board to secure long-term institutional stability. This leadership role involves driving national initiatives that support young women's leadership and systemic equity. Through constant engagement with stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer & Director fosters a culture of accountability and impact. Jones executes complex organizational changes to improve service delivery. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Director secures the future of the organization by championing the core values of the YWCA network while expanding the reach of critical social justice programs.

    Taryn Payne - Chief Financial Officer

    Taryn Payne, the Chief Financial Officer at YWCA USA, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Payne architects financial strategies that support the expansion of human rights advocacy and sustainable development projects. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar contributes to the mission of empowering women. Taryn Payne monitors complex funding streams and grant compliance to maintain transparency. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to optimize capital deployment across national operations. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and enhances operational efficiency. Payne drives the long-term financial planning necessary for the organization to thrive in a competitive non-profit environment. Through precise reporting and analytical oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation required for the organization to execute its ambitious social justice agenda and maintain consistent growth.

    Dalila Cardona - Chief Operating Officer

    Dalila Cardona, the Chief Operating Officer at YWCA USA, directs the internal processes and daily execution of the organization's mission. Cardona architects scalable systems that support the delivery of advocacy services and leadership programs. Overseeing the integration of regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization functions with maximum efficiency across the United States. Dalila Cardona manages the alignment of departmental workflows to support the broader goals of peace and justice. This leadership role involves optimizing the infrastructure required to sustain large-scale human rights initiatives. By streamlining administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer improves the overall impact of the organization. Cardona drives the implementation of new operational standards to enhance service quality. Through constant monitoring of performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization meets its strategic objectives while maintaining a focus on the core mission of empowering women and promoting sustainable development.

    Anne Motsenbocker - President, Human Resources & Executive

    Anne Motsenbocker, the President, Human Resources & Executive at YWCA USA, directs the high-level integration of personnel management and executive governance. Motsenbocker architects policies that align human capital strategies with the broader organizational mission of justice and human rights. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President, Human Resources & Executive ensures that all senior roles operate in harmony with the strategic goals of the organization. Anne Motsenbocker manages the intersection of corporate governance and employee development to foster a culture of excellence. This leadership role involves driving initiatives that strengthen the executive pipeline and promote sustainable leadership practices. By optimizing the relationship between the Board and the staff, the President, Human Resources & Executive enhances organizational cohesion. Motsenbocker executes complex structural improvements to support the long-term vision. Through strategic oversight, the President, Human Resources & Executive secures the leadership foundation necessary for the organization to advance its mission of empowering women.

    Laura Garza - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Laura Garza, the Chief Human Resources Officer at YWCA USA, directs the talent acquisition and organizational culture strategies. Garza architects programs that foster leadership development and professional growth for the entire workforce. Overseeing the recruitment of mission-driven professionals, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts top talent dedicated to social justice. Laura Garza manages employee relations and performance management systems to maintain a high-performing environment. This leadership role involves designing inclusive policies that reflect the commitment to human rights and equity. By cultivating a supportive workplace, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives engagement and retention across the national network. Garza executes training initiatives that prepare staff to address the evolving needs of the communities served. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital necessary for the organization to achieve its long-term goals and maintain a strong, unified organizational culture.

    Kishshana Palmer - Interim Chief Operations Officer

    Kishshana Palmer, the Interim Chief Operations Officer at YWCA USA, directs the immediate operational needs and transitional strategies of the organization. Palmer architects temporary frameworks that maintain continuity in service delivery during periods of organizational change. Overseeing the coordination of cross-functional teams, the Interim Chief Operations Officer ensures that advocacy efforts remain uninterrupted. Kishshana Palmer manages the stabilization of core processes to support the ongoing mission of peace and justice. This leadership role involves identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing rapid solutions to improve efficiency. By facilitating communication between departments, the Interim Chief Operations Officer drives alignment with the strategic vision. Palmer executes tactical adjustments to ensure that resources reach the most critical areas of the organization. Through diligent oversight of daily activities, the Interim Chief Operations Officer secures the operational stability required for the organization to continue its vital work in empowering women and promoting sustainable development across the country.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding YWCA USA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads YWCA USA?
    YWCA USA is led by Cathy Jones (Chief Executive Officer & Director), along with executives such as Taryn Payne (Chief Financial Officer) and Dalila Cardona (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of YWCA USA’s executive team?
    The executive team of YWCA USA includes leaders such as Cathy Jones (Chief Executive Officer & Director), Taryn Payne (Chief Financial Officer), Dalila Cardona (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does YWCA USA have?
    YWCA USA has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in YWCA USA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of YWCA USA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Director, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Human Resources & Executive, Chief Human Resources Officer.