YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester Announces Leadership Transition

The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester announced today that President and CEO Cynthia Delfino Birdsall will retire effective December 31, 2026, concluding more than 12 years of transformational leadership. Bonnie Fogarty, a 25-year YMCA leader, has been selected by the YMCA’s Board of Governors to succeed her as President and CEO beginning in January 2027.

Since joining the YMCA in 2014, Birdsall has led a fundamental transformation of the organization. Under her leadership, the Y moved beyond its traditional facility-based model and created a “Y Without Walls,” bringing programs directly into schools and communities throughout Westchester and Putnam counties.

During her tenure, the YMCA dramatically expanded early childhood education, school-age childcare and youth development programs; navigated the COVID-19 pandemic; rebuilt YMCA Camp Combe following the devastating 2023 storm; and completed the complex sale and redevelopment of its former White Plains facility, positioning the organization for long-term sustainability.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have built together,” Birdsall said. “We proved that a YMCA isn’t defined by a building. It is defined by its people, its purpose, and its ability to respond to what a community needs. I know the Y is ready for its next chapter, and I have tremendous confidence in Bonnie to lead it forward.”

Rachel Eckhaus, Chair of the YMCA Board of Governors, said Birdsall’s leadership fundamentally changed the organization.

“Cindy took the helm at a pivotal moment and had the vision and determination to reimagine what this YMCA could be. The organization she leaves is stronger, more sustainable, and serving more communities in more ways than ever before. The Board is deeply grateful for her extraordinary leadership.”

Eckhaus continued, “Bonnie is the perfect choice to succeed Cindy. She has been an integral part of this transformation, knows the organization and our communities, and shares the vision and values that have brought us to this point. We have tremendous confidence in her ability to lead the YMCA into its next chapter.”

Fogarty has dedicated 25 years to the YMCA and has worked alongside Birdsall throughout much of the organization’s transformation, holding increasingly significant leadership responsibilities across operations, programs, community partnerships, and organizational growth.

“Cindy’s leadership transformed this YMCA and challenged all of us to think differently about how we serve our communities,” Fogarty said. “I am honored by the confidence the Board has placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundation Cindy has created.”

Fogarty continued, “I look forward to leading this organization forward alongside our extraordinary staff, Board, volunteers and community partners, while continuing to strengthen our programs, partnerships and impact throughout the communities we serve.”

Birdsall will remain President and CEO through December 31, 2026, and will work closely with Fogarty throughout the coming months to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition.

The leadership transition comes as the YMCA moves into its next strategic chapter, Y 3.0, focused on community impact, strong programs and operations, resource development, and long-term sustainability.

For further inquiries, please contact info@ymca-cnw.org.

About the YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester

The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester strengthens communities by connecting people to their potential, each other, and opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. The YMCA serves children and families throughout Westchester and Putnam counties.