B.R. Ryall YMCA names new CEO
A Glen Ellyn executive with fundraising experience and background in volunteer service has been named the new chief executive officer of the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County after an extensive search.
Tammy Lemke will assume leadership of the Glen Ellyn-based Y on June 15.
Lemke comes to the Y from Advocate Charitable Foundation, the fundraising arm of Advocate Health Care, one of the top health care systems in the nation. As the vice president of operations, Lemke was responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives that contributed to the more than $30 million in philanthropic support raised annually.
She oversaw annual fund initiatives, corporate giving, special events, and prospect and donor management.
Lemke also managed operational departments and served as a key liaison to the Advocate Charitable Foundation board of directors.
Lemke has an extensive background in nonprofit management. She has served as president of Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, national vice-president and chief financial officer for Prevent Blindness America, and president & CEO of United Way of Champaign County in Champaign. A certified public accountant, she spent the first 13 years of her career in the public accounting industry.
"We are delighted to welcome Tammy to the Y," said Chris Scheck, board president, B.R. Ryall YMCA. "Her vast nonprofit leadership experience, knowledge and commitment to the communities we serve will be a true asset."
Not only does Lemke focus her work in the nonprofit industry, she is also an active volunteer community leader. She has served on the board of directors for various civic, social and business organizations including United Way of DuPage/West Cook County, Crisis Nursery, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Club of Champaign.
Currently, she is the board treasurer for the Donors Forum in Chicago and vice president for the Marajen Stevick Foundation in Champaign.
Lemke earned her bachelor of science degree in accounting from Illinois State University, where this year she was honored for her career accomplishments and inducted into the School of Business Hall of Fame.
Lemke lives in Glen Ellyn with her husband Eric and her three children.
"Both personally and professionally, I am very passionate about and committed to lending my talents to making a difference in the lives of children, strengthening families and building communities," Lemke said.
"I am thrilled to join the Y and look forward to working with its members and the community to define the next chapter for this great organization."
Founded in 1919, the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County serves the communities of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Winfield, Warrenville and West Chicago. For more information, visit www.brryallymca.org.