YMCA of Metro Atlanta CEO Selected for "Women Making a Mark"

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta today announced its first female president and CEO Lauren Koontz has been chosen as one of Atlanta Magazine’s 2020 Women Making a Mark. which recognizes influential Atlanta women who are positively impacting their communities. Koontz was one of only 12 women selected for the honor.

Koontz joined the YMCA of Metro Atlanta in 2012 as chief development officer and gained the additional title of executive vice president in 2016 before being named president and CEO in 2018. Koontz has dedicated her career to education and health development through positions with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Coxe Curry & Associates and Emory University’s School of Medicine.

“YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s values have been identified, addressed and incorporated into every aspect of the organization since Lauren took leadership,” said Kelly Barrett, chair of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Board of Directors. “Her tenacity and dedication are felt not only by those with whom she works day-to-day, but throughout the entire organization.”

The Y has experienced considerable growth under Koontz’s leadership. The organization has formed new partnerships with local nonprofits to further its reach and has increased the outcome of its annual giving campaign, which funds scholarships for youth programs, by 250%.

Each woman selected is profiled in the June issue of Atlanta Magazine and will be recognized at the Atlanta Magazine Women Making a Mark awards gala in the coming months.

About the YMCA of Metro Atlanta

For more than 160 years the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been impacting lives and strengthening communities. As Atlanta has grown, the YMCA has also evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Well-thought-out planning, while engaging stakeholders at various levels, provides the backdrop for sustainable change and positive impact at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. By providing impactful services and support networks, and building bridges between people from all backgrounds, the Y has maintained its relevance, helping to create stronger, more cohesive communities for all.