Pictured, from left, are Jim Swanson, Kosciusko Community YMCA CEO; Monica Kendrick, incoming Chief Volunteer Officer; and Tim Minear, outgoing Chief Volunteer Officer.

WARSAW — After a nationwide, four-month search, the Kosciusko Community YMCA has announced its new CEO.

A search committee of YMCA board members selected Jim Swanson to lead the nonprofit based on feedback from staff, board members, community leaders and a presentation and interview process.

”On behalf of the entire board of directors of the Kosciusko Community YMCA, we are pleased to welcome Jim to our staff to lead our YMCA into the future,” said Monica Kendrick, incoming chief volunteer officer for the Kosciusko Community YMCA. “Jim is a seasoned leader and a pillar of the Warsaw Community. I look forward to working with him in this key leadership role.”

Swanson has served on the Kosciusko Community YMCA Board of Directors for the past 2 years and will be starting in his new role as CEO on Jan. 30.

Swanson has served for the past 22 years at Grace College, most recently in the role of vice president of student affairs from 2007 to 2016 where he had oversight of several departments and 200 employees.  Previously held positions include associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students.  Jim earned a Doctor of philosophy in educational leadership in higher education from Western Michigan University, a Master’s degree in counseling and personnel guidance from Eastern Michigan University, and a Bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from William Tyndale College.

Swanson says, “I am honored to serve as CEO of the Kosciusko Community YMCA and work with the terrific staff, volunteers, community partners, business leaders and families who are a part of our YMCA. Following the success of our previous CEO and building on the meaningful impact and support our YMCA currently has will enable us to continue our mission of giving Kosciusko county families pathways to learn and grow.”

Swanson will lead a staff of more than 250 people and two YMCA branches, including two wellness centers, a warm water pool, a lap and recreation pool, a sauna, two gyms, indoor walking track, five group exercise rooms, two multi-purpose rooms, a chapel, two babysitting areas, a multi-generational center and an off-site gymnastics gym.

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  All the efforts and offerings of the Kosciusko Community YMCA are guided by the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.  In 2016, the Kosciusko Community YMCA provided $191,009 in financial assistance to make sure that happens.