The YMCA of the USA named Kevin Washington, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston, to lead the Chicago-based national organization.
Washington will take over as president and CEO of the Y-USA on Feb. 1, 2015, the Y announced today. He will succeed Neil Nicoll, who is resigning at the end of the year.
Washington was selected by the Y's board of directors after a national search.
"The Y strengthens 10,000 communities across the country, thanks to leaders like Neil Nicoll and Kevin Washington, who understand the social issues challenging our nation and how the Y can help address them," Christine Marcks, chairman of the YMCA of the USA board of directors, said in a statement. "Kevin brings deep and varied YMCA experience and a strong record of accomplishment on behalf of communities to this position—one he has been building toward his entire career. He is an exceptional cause-driven leader who is committed to Y-USA's strategic direction and will add to the Y's momentum as a national charity."
Washington has been president and CEO of the Boston Y since 2010. A 36-year professional of the YMCA, Washington served as chairman of the YMCA CEO advisory committee that guided the development of Y-USA's strategic plan for 2014 to 2017 and was a member of the Y-USA board of directors from 2004 to 2009. He also served as president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford (CT) for 10 years and held executive positions with Ys in Chicago and Philadelphia.
Washington, 60, will be the 14th person to lead the Y in the U.S. and the first African-American. The Philadelphia native will remain with the Boston Y until the end of the year to assist with its leadership transition.
"I am excited to join Y-USA and collaborate with YMCA leaders nationwide to expand our collective impact," Washington said in a statement "I have dedicated my career to our great organization for nearly 40 years because the Y has an unmatched capacity to enrich individual lives and the common good. I am honored for the opportunity to lead the Y at the national level and build on everything we achieved as a movement during Neil's tenure."
Nicoll was hired in 2006 from the YMCA of Greater Seattle.