Charlotte YMCA names new CEO to lead its rebuilding; she’s its first female chief
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has named Suehila (Sue) Glass as its new president and CEO, the first female leader in the organization’s history, who will be charged with guiding the nonprofit as it seeks to rebuild following steep pandemic losses.
Glass, who currently serves as president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, will begin her new role on Jan. 15, 2024. She replaces Stan Law, who retired in May after 18 months in the position.
“Sue’s background and skill set represent exactly what we were looking for in the Y’s next leader,” said Charles Bowman, board chair for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, in a statement. “I’m confident that she is the best person to take on this exciting and challenging role, and to lead the Y through this transformational phase and into a bright future.”
Glass has led the Denver YMCA since 2018. While there, according to the Charlotte YMCA, she implemented new operating and membership models and initiated a property redevelopment strategy.
Those are among two of the areas of focus for the Charlotte YMCA after three consecutive years of running operating deficits. The coronavirus pandemic exposed an over-reliance on membership fees for revenue, and the YMCA has focused on improving profitability in four main areas: philanthropy, camping, programs and services, and footprint.
The footprint category is what led to an announcement earlier this year that the YMCA would sell its Johnston branch in NoDa — but the deal with a developer fell through last month. The Y also is exploring the sale of two Lincoln County branches, the Lincoln County Family YMCA in Lincolnton and Sally’s YMCA in Denver.
The Johnston Y property and buildings have a tax value of $19.4 million, according to Mecklenburg County records. The two Lincoln County properties have a combined tax value of $12.4 million, according to county records.
Last year, the YMCA reported a $5.4 million overall deficit, the first time the nonprofit has reported a loss in recent years. Membership is down about 25% since 2019, YMCA officials have said. According to the YMCA’s tax records, total revenue was down about 26% from 2019 to 2022.
Prior to joining the Denver YMCA, Glass spent more than 20 years with the American Diabetes Association, leaving as senior vice president. Glass is a graduate of the University of North Florida and completed MBA courses in organizational leadership and change management at Colorado State University. The Denver Business Journal named her a Most Admired CEO in 2021.
“I’ve been looking closely at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s past successes, alongside its current challenges and opportunities,” Glass said in a statement. “I’m excited to join the organization at such a pivotal point in its history, and look forward to working with the team, volunteers, members and community partners to maximize the Y’s impact in greater Charlotte.”
