Merrimack Valley YMCA Names New President, CEO

YMCA: The Merrimack Valley YMCA has named current Chief Operating Officer Frank Kenneally as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Frank Kenneally distinguished himself from a field of strong candidates drawn from across the country in a national search led by the Merrimack Valley YMCA Corporate Board of Directors. Kenneally now will succeed Gary Morelli, who stepped down in December, 2018.

In his new role, Kenneally will be the permanent CEO of the Merrimack Valley YMCA (MVYMCA), headquartered in Lawrence, and consisting of the Andover/North Andover YMCA, the Lawrence YMCA, the Methuen YMCA and Camping Services.

He will oversee an association consisting of more than 700 staff, delivering more than $4.1 million annually of subsidized services to deserving children, adults and families of the Merrimack Valley. He will also shepherd the multi-million dollar renovations and expansion of the Lawrence YMCA.
“This leadership appointment is the result of a rigorous and comprehensive national search conducted by a seven-member committee comprised of the volunteer leadership from the MVYMCA and facilitated by YMCA of the USA,” said MVYMCA Board of Directors Chairman Peter Lafond. “The committee placed the highest priority on finding a visionary leader to expand upon our already strong foundation, inspire organizational growth and address the most critical issues facing the communities we serve and Frank Kenneally was the unanimous choice.”
“I have a great passion for the work of the YMCA and the Merrimack Valley community,” said Kenneally. “In my 30 years at the MVYMCA, I have been able to grow with the organization and I am excited to have the opportunity to provide the strategic vision our YMCA needs to be successful in the future. I look forward to leading our staff and expanding the reach and impact in our diverse communities.”
During his 30 year tenure at the Merrimack Valley YMCA he has held many positions ranging from Youth and Aquatics Director to Senior Program Director to Executive Director to District Executive Director to Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Salem State College, a master’s degree from Springfield College, and a certificate in non-profit leadership from the University of Notre Dame.