YMCA of Greater Boston Names Joe Gaeta as New Executive Director

BOSTON, Mass. – The YMCA of Greater Boston is pleased to announce the internal promotion of Joe Gaeta to Executive Director of the East Boston YMCA.

The East Boston resident is a 13-year YMCA cause-driven leader, with a decade of service at the East Boston YMCA under his belt. He started as a part-time camp counselor during which he created and implemented education curriculum for youth, ages 5 through 13. In 2010, he advanced within his career to the association-wide Director of Teen Programs for which he supervised the teen fitness center and family programming and assisted in fundraising efforts for youth scholarships to camp. In his most recent position, Director of Operations for the Huntington Avenue YMCA, he has overseen 5,000 members and an operating budget of $7 million while managing 11 full-time and 100 part-time staff members.

During his tenure, Gaeta has been responsible for Membership, Aquatics, Healthy Living and Youth Development/Teen programs. He created the East Boston YMCA Credit Recovery Program, in partnership with Boston Public Schools and East Boston High School, which gives students a second chance to make up work and lost credits at their own pace out of school to ensure they graduate on time. He also implemented extended teen times where the building was open for just teens, after hours, free of charge.

“Working with the YMCA of Greater Boston has always been a rewarding experience for me,” says Gaeta, who will take the reins of the nonprofit on March 4. “Making sure community needs are met no matter what the circumstance is part of the core of our mission. Being able to serve the community of East Boston has always been a passion of mine. Coming home and leading this extraordinary organization and team has always been a dream. I look forward to continuing the long standing tradition of serving the community of East Boston as its next Executive Director.”

Public service has been a long-standing tradition in Gaeta’s East Boston-bred family. Following in his grandparents 30 years of advocacy work, he is the Treasurer of the East Boston Girls Softball League and a longtime supporter and former Board Member for East Boston Main Streets. With a passion for creating opportunities for others, he holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from the University of Massachusetts.

“The YMCA of Greater Boston prides itself on attracting top talent to guide the organization in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” says James Morton, YMCA of Greater Boston President and CEO. “We are thrilled to promote Joe from within and we are excited to see where Joe takes the East Boston Y and the positive impact he will have on individuals and families in the area.”

Y members, friends and supporters are encouraged to meet Gaeta during the East Boston YMCA’s Annual Reach Out Breakfast, which is set for Thursday, April 25 at 7 a.m. at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport, located at 1 Hotel Dr. in East Boston. Tickets for the one-day fundraising event are $30 and must be purchased in advance. All proceeds from the event will directly support the East Boston YMCA Annual Fund. To purchase tickets, visit: https://ymcaboston.org/eastboston/breakfast.

For 20 years, the East Boston Y has been helping people with programs that focus on healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. It’s the Y’s mission to be a cornerstone for social change, leading individuals, and families of all backgrounds and at all stages of life to learn, thrive, and improve the neighborhood through meaningful memberships. For more information, visit: https://ymcaboston.org/.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON:

The YMCA of Greater Boston is one of Massachusetts leading nonprofits committed to strengthening communities by improving health, empowering youth and activating people for good. Every day, the Y works with thousands of men, women, and children to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has access to Y programs and services. As the nation’s fifth largest charity, the Y is creating a community of caring people through meaningful memberships. For more than 165 years, the Y has been developing skills and emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations, preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities. The YMCA of Greater Boston is America’s first Y.

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