Evanston YMCA Announces New President

From McGaw YMCA: Today the McGaw YMCA Board of Directors announced that Monique Parsons will take on the permanent role of President/CEO, effective immediately. Parsons, who has been acting as Interim President/CEO since November 2017, will oversee all aspects of the organization, including membership, financial sustainability, fundraising, programs, community engagement and staff development. She will continue to carry out the McGaw Board’s vision to serve all of Evanston equitably and inclusively.

“I am thrilled to have Monique lead the YMCA. She is an amazing, committed, passionate leader who will continue to do exceptional work at the McGaw Y and in the community as our President/CEO. Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to our mission and support of our great staff make McGraw a very special place that truly transforms lives," said Patricia Maunsell, Board Chair, McGaw YMCA.

Vilma Bell, Search Committee Chair and Board Secretary stated, “It was an honor to lead such an amazing group of search committee members. They designed and managed a rigorous and detailed process and considered many highly qualified candidates. This assured the selection of the strongest leader for McGaw YMCA. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication, as well as that of McGaw YMCA Chief Human Capital Development Officer, Bruce Carmichael.”

“My upbringing in Evanston and depth of experiences as a community member, engaged leader and collaborative partner have uniquely prepared me to become the President/CEO of the McGaw YMCA. These experiences will inform our work at McGaw and enable me to lead this organization with a unique perspective and passion for community. I am so humbled and honored to have been selected by the Board. I look forward to continuing to support an incredible staff and elevating the mission of the McGaw Y,” said Parsons.

Parsons has 13 years of experience with the association. Serving initially as Vice President of Programs, she was actively engaged in building new bridges with the Evanston community. These efforts included reaching more young people with high-quality programming, fostering strong relationships, and pursuing mutually beneficial partnerships with local organizations. In 2012, she was named Chief Operating Officer and launched two YMCA signature youth development programs, Y Readers and Y Achievers. She was also instrumental in the revitalization of the youth lobby through the creation of MetaMedia, a digital media space for middle school students. She has continued to collaborate with the Evanston community, providing more access to Camp Echo and the Children’s Center, enabling more youth to benefit from McGaw’s life-changing programs. Additionally, Monique worked to transition the Men’s Residence from simply a Single Residence
Occupancy to a complete wrap around program, including social services.

The McGaw YMCA is a cause-driven, charitable organization at the heart of Evanston. Over the course of its 132-year history, the McGaw Y has touched every facet of the community with its commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It continues to promote growth in spirit, mind and body through programs and services for all people, from all walks of life.

The McGaw Y is headquartered at 1000 Grove Street and houses its comprehensive Wellness Center with two pools and drop-in childcare space, the MetaMedia digital lab center for youth, and the long-standing, 172-room men’s residence. Additionally, the McGaw Y offers programs and services at The Children’s Center, 1420 Maple Avenue, Family Focus Center, 2010 Dewey Avenue, and Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan. Currently the McGaw Y has 12,000 members and serves an estimated 20,000 people in the community each year. For more information visit www.mcgawymca.org.

Photo via McGaw YMCA