Whatcom Family YMCA Names Courtney Whitaker as New CEO
October 08, 2024
Courtney Whitaker Brings 25 Years Experience to Organization Bellingham, Washington, October 1, 2024
The Whatcom Family YMCA has named Courtney Whitaker as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 18, 2024. After a robust, 5- month search process, the Y’s Board of Directors selected Courtney to succeed Bill Ziels who is retiring after 15 years of distinguished service.
In her new role Courtney Whitaker will be responsible for advancing the Y’s strategic plan, leading the Y’s extraordinary staff, improving operating performance, expanding services, capital development, fiscal and facility management, and deepening the Y’s role as a vital partner for community change.
Kirsten Barron, Search Committee Chair and Chief Volunteer Officer, shared, “During our search for a new CEO, we considered candidates from all over the country. Courtney Whitaker stood out among an incredibly talented group of applicants for this position. Her energy, experience and vision for the Whatcom Family YMCA position us to continue and expand our services to Whatcom County. We have been fortunate as an organization and as a community to have had Bill at our helm for almost 15 years.
Courtney’s experience leading the YMCA of Greater Seattle as Vice President of Youth Development and her passion for the Whatcom Family YMCA ensures fantastic leadership for years to come. We have confidence in her ability to fill some big shoes. We are delighted to welcome her to our community.” “I am beyond grateful and honored to join the Whatcom YMCA family”, said Courtney Whitaker. “I began my Y career while still in high school. I later spent time in Washington DC after college as a lobbyist but returned to the YMCA in 2001. It is a gift to now be able to further the mission through helping the community achieve their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body”.
Courtney Whitaker comes to the Y with 25 years of experience driving transformative growth and operational excellence. Her career has been marked by a relentless focus on community engagement, innovation, strategic foresight, team empowerment, and delivering results. In 2001, Courtney joined the YMCA of Greater Seattle where, during her tenure, she has served in a variety of roles in branch operations, association leadership, and most recently on the Senior Leadership Team of a $120M Y.
Courtney’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring alignment with the strategic vision and motivating every team member to not only meet but exceed expectations. Courtney holds a BA in Sociology and a BS in Psychology from the University of Vermont.
As a recent empty nester, Courtney and her partner Tommie are exploring the freedom of new hobbies like cooking and boating, spending time relaxing on the Hood Canal, and scheduling weekend trips to visit their son at the University of Denver.
The Board looks forward to Courtney’s leadership in spearheading a capital campaign aimed at securing a new, state-of-the art community focused facility. This initiative intends to grow the Y’s impact to meet the community need, serve more youth, foster inclusivity, and create opportunities for individuals and families in Whatcom County to build their health and wellness.
Courtney successfully led a capital campaign for the Dale Turner YMCA, bringing these specific skills and experience to lead this exciting chapter for the Whatcom community.
About the Y:
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Ymca.net
The Whatcom Family YMCA has named Courtney Whitaker as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 18, 2024. After a robust, 5- month search process, the Y’s Board of Directors selected Courtney to succeed Bill Ziels who is retiring after 15 years of distinguished service.
In her new role Courtney Whitaker will be responsible for advancing the Y’s strategic plan, leading the Y’s extraordinary staff, improving operating performance, expanding services, capital development, fiscal and facility management, and deepening the Y’s role as a vital partner for community change.
Kirsten Barron, Search Committee Chair and Chief Volunteer Officer, shared, “During our search for a new CEO, we considered candidates from all over the country. Courtney Whitaker stood out among an incredibly talented group of applicants for this position. Her energy, experience and vision for the Whatcom Family YMCA position us to continue and expand our services to Whatcom County. We have been fortunate as an organization and as a community to have had Bill at our helm for almost 15 years.
Courtney’s experience leading the YMCA of Greater Seattle as Vice President of Youth Development and her passion for the Whatcom Family YMCA ensures fantastic leadership for years to come. We have confidence in her ability to fill some big shoes. We are delighted to welcome her to our community.” “I am beyond grateful and honored to join the Whatcom YMCA family”, said Courtney Whitaker. “I began my Y career while still in high school. I later spent time in Washington DC after college as a lobbyist but returned to the YMCA in 2001. It is a gift to now be able to further the mission through helping the community achieve their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body”.
Courtney Whitaker comes to the Y with 25 years of experience driving transformative growth and operational excellence. Her career has been marked by a relentless focus on community engagement, innovation, strategic foresight, team empowerment, and delivering results. In 2001, Courtney joined the YMCA of Greater Seattle where, during her tenure, she has served in a variety of roles in branch operations, association leadership, and most recently on the Senior Leadership Team of a $120M Y.
Courtney’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring alignment with the strategic vision and motivating every team member to not only meet but exceed expectations. Courtney holds a BA in Sociology and a BS in Psychology from the University of Vermont.
As a recent empty nester, Courtney and her partner Tommie are exploring the freedom of new hobbies like cooking and boating, spending time relaxing on the Hood Canal, and scheduling weekend trips to visit their son at the University of Denver.
The Board looks forward to Courtney’s leadership in spearheading a capital campaign aimed at securing a new, state-of-the art community focused facility. This initiative intends to grow the Y’s impact to meet the community need, serve more youth, foster inclusivity, and create opportunities for individuals and families in Whatcom County to build their health and wellness.
Courtney successfully led a capital campaign for the Dale Turner YMCA, bringing these specific skills and experience to lead this exciting chapter for the Whatcom community.
About the Y:
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Ymca.net
