Whatcom Family YMCA Welcomes Kait Whiteside as Association Director of Advancement and Impact
Bellingham, WA | September 2025
The Whatcom Family YMCA is proud to announce the appointment of Kait Whiteside as Association Director of Advancement and Impact. In this leadership role, Whiteside will guide the Y’s strategies in fund development, marketing, communications, and volunteerism, all of which are essential to strengthening our community and expanding access to the Whatcom Family YMCA’s programs.
Whiteside brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience, most recently as Executive Director of the Max Higbee Center where she led the organization through transformative growth. Whiteside led a successful capital campaign that secured a new program facility in the heart of downtown Bellingham as well as a comprehensive program expansion to meet rising community needs in the wake of COVID-19. Under her leadership, the Center deepened its commitment to inclusion, broadened community partnerships, strengthened its financial foundation, and increased its visibility and impact. In addition to her executive experience, Whiteside has contributed to the Whatcom Family YMCA as a dedicated Board Member for the past three years, helping shape the organization’s strategic priorities and championing its mission.
Born and raised in Yakima, WA, Whiteside’s first Y experience was as a teen swimmer on her local YMCA swim team, a formative chapter that instilled in her a lifelong respect for the Y’s role in creating belonging, opportunity, and community.
“I’m grateful and excited to join the Whatcom YMCA,” said Kait Whiteside. “I’ve personally experienced the power of belonging at the Y, and throughout my professional career I’ve admired how the Y creates a welcoming environment for all of our community members to build connection, health, and community. It’s an honor to now work in this role and further the mission and impact of the Y.”
“Kait is a strategic, values-driven leader who turns vision into measurable community impact. She brings proven expertise in philanthropy and relationship-building, along with a deep understanding of Whatcom County. As we work to ensure more kids, families, and seniors have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources they need to thrive, Kait will help us accelerate that work and deepen our impact across the county,” said Courtney Whitaker, CEO of the Whatcom Family YMCA.
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About the YMCA The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Whatcom Family YMCA serves individuals and families across Whatcom County through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more than 130 years, your local Y has brought people together to ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources needed to thrive.
