We are thrilled to announce that Courtney Whitaker has been appointed as the new CEO of the Whatcom Family YMCA! She will officially step into her new role on November 18, 2024, bringing with her 25 years of experience in leadership, community engagement, and driving organizational success. Courtney’s energy, passion, and vision make her the perfect fit to lead the Y into a new and exciting chapter.

Courtney’s journey with the YMCA began when she was still in high school, and since then, she’s made a huge impact in a variety of leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President of Youth Development at the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Her dedication to youth development, community engagement, and fostering inclusivity is at the heart of everything she does. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to our Whatcom Family YMCA!

Kirsten Barron, our Search Committee Chair and Chief Volunteer Officer, expressed her confidence in Courtney’s leadership:
"Courtney Whitaker stood out among an incredibly talented group of applicants. Her energy, experience, and vision position us to continue and expand our services to Whatcom County. We’ve been fortunate to have Bill Ziels at our helm for almost 15 years, and we are delighted to welcome Courtney into our community."

Courtney herself is eager to take on this new role:
"I am beyond grateful and honored to join the Whatcom YMCA family. I started my Y career in high school and later returned in 2001 after a brief time in Washington, DC. It is a gift to be able to help further the YMCA mission, working to support the community in achieving their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body."

As the new CEO, Courtney will be responsible for leading our incredible staff, driving our strategic goals, expanding our services, and fostering greater community impact. One of her major focuses will be spearheading a capital campaign for a state-of-the-art facility that will help us serve more youth, foster inclusivity, and create even more opportunities for health and wellness in Whatcom County. Courtney successfully led a similar campaign for the Dale Turner YMCA in Seattle, and we are excited to see the positive changes she’ll bring to our community.

We’re excited for the future of the Whatcom Family YMCA under Courtney’s leadership. We look forward to the many exciting initiatives and developments to come!