North Suburban YMCA President /CEO Announces Departure after 13 Years
Northbrook, IL: North Suburban YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz announced his decision to retire concluding his tenure effective April 30, 2020. Schultz has served the Northbrook YMCA location for a total of 13½ years.
Schultz is recognized as one of the top Y executives in the nation, not only for growing the size and scope of the Y, but for leading and expanding efforts that transform the lives of those who need the Y the most.
NSYMCA Board Chair Cathy Gregory said, "Howard is an exceptional business leader who has renewed the Y, making it one of the best-performing Ys in its sector, and one of the most admired nonprofits in the community. His role in helping to define a new era of responsibility to serving others, growth in the Y's profile locally and nationally as a diverse, inviting and accessible agency, and active history of volunteer work in the Northbrook Rotary, Northbrook Chamber of Commerce, and Highland Park Historical Society have marked him as an engaged, and far-sighted business leader in the nonprofit world."
Under Schultz's leadership, the NSYMCA grew from a $2M operation to $4M and has been highly recognized and awarded by the community, including receiving 31 Northshore Choice Awards over the last three years, six Make it Better and "Best" awards in the last two years, and being named the 2013 Small Busines of the Year by the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce.
Most recently, Schultz received the Illini Chief Club Award from the Illinois Statewide Alliance of YMCAs as the top CEO in Illinois.
When Schultz began his tenure at the NSYMCA in 2006, he created the "Save the Y" initiative, returning the Y to "Good Standing Status and Certification" with YMCA of the USA by paying off $2.3M in crippling debt in 2008, bringing in a new vision, and eventually leading extensive renovation and expansion projects to increase membership programs and services. At every step, Schultz has remained at the forefront of program and philanthropic innovation. Schultz also helped grow the Y's annual giving from $100k to over $450k to ensure that the Y remains accessible to all and continues to address community challenges such as the achievement gap, chronic disease prevention, and inclusion.
"It has been an honor to lead the North Suburban YMCA over the last 13 years," commented Schultz, " Throughout this time, I have been humbled by the commitment and hard work of our staff, members, volunteers, and donors, and their passion for creating a truly purpose-driven agency. I want to particularly thank the leadership of the Y Board for having given me the opportunity to follow my instincts and experience to grow the Y, expand our reach into the community, and respond to the requests of our constituents for new services by being able to say, 'Yes, let's see how we can make that happen' ".
A committee for a new President/CEO is being formed and will be led by Board Chair Cathy Gregory assisted by the Y-USA Executive Search Department.
About the North Suburban YMCA
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018/19, the North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.