YWCA Palm Beach County names new CEO and Board President

YWCA Palm Beach County has announced the appointment of Mary Hart as Chief Executive Officer and Tessie Watts as the 2026–2027 President of its Board of Directors. Together with the organization’s current and incoming board, Hart and Watts will guide the YWCA as it builds upon its longstanding mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

As CEO, Hart will oversee the organization’s operations, programs, and strategic direction while expanding partnerships and resources to support women, children, and families throughout Palm Beach County. Hart brings extensive nonprofit and business leadership experience to the role. Before founding Hart Core Solutions, which helps nonprofits and small businesses pursue growth opportunities, she served as Executive Director of Dress for Success Palm Beaches and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. She began her career in financial services, rising to Senior Vice President, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Empire State College.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of CEO of YWCA Palm Beach County at such a pivotal time,” said Hart. “For generations, the YWCA has stood at the forefront of advancing equity, empowering women, and providing life-saving services to those impacted by domestic violence. I am equally inspired by the strength and commitment of our Board of Directors, whose leadership and passion will help guide us forward. Together, we are committed to building on this legacy to ensure that every individual in our community has access to safety, opportunity, and the dignity they deserve.”

Tessie Watts will serve as Board President. A Riviera Beach native, she is the Founder and CEO of The Leadership Haven Resource Center, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development, board governance and organizational strategy. She holds degrees from Bethune-Cookman University and Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County and the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program.

“I am honored to serve alongside an exceptional Board of Directors whose passion, expertise, and commitment will help shape the future of YWCA Palm Beach County,” said Watts. “Together, we will lead with purpose, strengthen our organization, and serve as ambassadors for our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Guided by our theme, ‘Strengthening Today. Sustaining Tomorrow. Together.,’ we look forward to building lasting partnerships and creating meaningful impact throughout our community.”

Serving alongside Watts on the Board of Directors are current members Kimberly Cruz, Vanessa Moss, Cassandra Oliver, Alcolya St. Juste, Karen Stephenson, and Trixy Walker. Incoming board members are Denise Albritton, Yolanda Cope, Tonya Davis-Johnson, Dena Sisk Foman, Amanda Joiner, Orie McIntosh, Al’Licia Pittman, and Ann Marie Sorrell.

YWCA Palm Beach County provides life-saving and life-changing services designed to create pathways to safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. Harmony House, the organization’s domestic violence shelter, provides safe housing, crisis intervention, and supportive services for survivors and their children. Its Rapid Rehousing program helps families transition from crisis to stability by securing safe, permanent housing and providing ongoing case management. The YWCA’s Child Development Center offers high-quality early childhood education that prepares young learners for long-term success while supporting working families.

ABOUT YWCA PALM BEACH COUNTY

YWCA Palm Beach County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through its domestic violence, housing, and early childhood education programs, the organization helps women, children, and families achieve safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. YWCA Palm Beach County is committed to providing programs, services, and opportunities free from discrimination while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. The organization is located at 1016 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. For more information, visit ywcapbc.org.