The long-time top executive of the West Cook YMCA in Oak Park is moving on to a new position with the YMCA of the USA, the Chicago-based national resource office for the nation’s 2,600 YMCAs.
Phillip Jimenez, a resident of River Forest and president and CEO of the local agency for more than decade, will serve as the National Lead of CEO Engagement for the small and mid-sized YMCA Network. In this role he will work closely with these local branches to ensure they have the resources and guidance needed to fulfill the national organization’s mission.
Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Boblett will assume the position of interim CEO at the Oak Park branch beginning on Nov. 16.
In announcing Jimenez’s appointment, Suzanne McCormick, president & CEO of YMCA of the USA, said: “Phillip is the ideal leader for this role, bringing valuable relationships across the network and a deep understanding of what small and mid-sized YMCA CEOs need from Y-USA and its service delivery system. I’m confident that Phillip will be a strong advocate for them and a trusted representative of Y-USA within the network.”
In his new job, Jimenez will work at the YMCA of the USA’s national headquarters on Wacker Drive in Chicago.
“My role is to lead our national efforts of engaging the CEOs in 630 YMCA associations throughout the United States,” Jimenez said.
According to Jimenez, no two YMCAs are the same, and each YMCA’s job is to take a national initiative and format it to local needs.
“In my new role, I’m going to speak with CEOs and get an understanding of how we can better build solutions that will meet their distinct needs,” he said. “I will also communicate with them about solutions that already exist and how they can take advantage and leverage those resources.”
Jimenez is leaving the West Cook YMCA after more than 10 years as president and CEO. During that time, the West Cook YMCA evolved from a fitness center with aquatic and childcare programming and a single-room occupancy into a comprehensive community integrated health and wellbeing organization with evidence-based and informed programs.
In a letter to the West Cook YMCA community, Jimenez said the West Cook YMCA is stronger than ever, with an exciting set of goals and initiatives.
“I have every confidence in our board and leadership team we have assembled to advance our commitment to be a Y that works within and for our community to ensure all have access to be their best self,” he said.
Jimenez grew up three blocks from the West Cook YMCA.
“This is my home Y, which means this is where I went to the Y when I was a kid,” he said. “So, supporting and adding value to the community that shaped and molded who I am has been a unique opportunity.”
Jimenez said that in addition to the team he has worked alongside during his time as CEO and president, he will also miss the day-to-day life at the YMCA in Oak Park.
“There is nothing like walking into the Y each day and not knowing what’s going to happen. Every day is different,” he said. “There’s a certain level of exhilaration and activity that happens inside of a YMCA and I think I’m going to miss that operational tempo. I’ve really enjoyed that, and it’s made each day of this role exciting.”