Monique Parsons Elected as New Chair of YMCA African-American CEO Network

Headshot of Monique Parsons, President/CEO

EVANSTON, IL. — The YMCA African-American CEO Network (AACN) has announced the election of Monique Parsons (she/her) as incoming Chairperson. The AACN is a national network of 43 African American CEOs across the YMCA movement. Parsons, the President and CEO of McGaw YMCA in Evanston, Illinois, brings over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of community impact to her new role. She succeeds J. David Brown of the Capital District YMCA, who has completed his term as Chair.

“Monique Parsons is an exemplary leader whose passion and dedication to community service and youth development are unparalleled,” shared J. David Brown, outgoing AACN Chair. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Monique and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of her leadership in this role.”

About Monique Parsons:
Monique Parsons is a respected leader and advocate in the fields of youth and community development. Under her leadership at McGaw YMCA, she has launched signature programs addressing youth literacy, college access, and systemic inequities. Her initiatives, such as Y Readers, Y Achievers, and MetaMedia in partnership with Northwestern University, have made significant strides in expanding access and opportunities for local youth.

Parsons’ career at McGaw YMCA began in 2005 as Vice President of Programs. She advanced to Chief Operating Officer in 2012 and, in 2018, became the first woman and first Black woman to be appointed as President and CEO. Her transformative work includes leading a $22 million Men’s Residence Renovation Project and securing unprecedented governmental funding contributions.

In addition to her role at McGaw YMCA, Parsons has been deeply involved with the YMCA of the USA, serving on various committees and facilitating national initiatives. She has been a driving force behind the Boys & Young Men of Color initiative and the Multicultural Executive Development Institute (MEDI), where she has served as a Coach and formerly as the Dean of Coaches. Parsons’ dedication to community empowerment is further evidenced by her involvement with the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs and her long-standing service as Vice President of the Evanston Township High School District 202 Board of Education. She holds a BA in Sociology of Law from the University of Minnesota.

“I am truly honored and excited to take on this new role as Chair of the YMCA African-American CEO Network,” said Parsons. “My colleagues and I have been given the incredible opportunity to boldly lead the next generation of leaders through our robust leadership, vigorous advocacy, and profound empowerment.”

The McGaw YMCA family congratulates Monique Parsons on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the YMCA African-American CEO Network under her leadership.

Additional Elections:
In addition to the appointment of Monique Parsons as Chair, the AACN also elected the following incoming President and CEO members of the AACN Steering Committee:

  • Ernest Lamour, YMCA of Greater Rochester – Vice Chair
  • Anthony Walters, YMCA of South Hampton Roads – Secretary
  • David Brown, Capital District YMCA – Past Chair
  • Rhonda Anderson, YMCA of Greensboro
  • Kevin Bolding, YMCA of Central Florida
  • Bertram Lawson, YMCA of Greater Brandywine
  • Dorri McWhorter, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
  • Loria Yeadon, YMCA of Greater Seattle

Terms for these elected positions are effective as of July 1, 2024.

“The Network is thrilled to welcome these exceptional individuals to our Steering Committee team,” added David Brown. “These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and we are excited to get to work.”

About the YMCA African-American CEO Network (AACN):
The YMCA African-American CEO Network (AACN) is committed to being anti-racist; to shepherding an anti-racist YMCA movement; and to assuring the advancement African American leadership in movement, by addressing the root causes of racism, and the institutions and systems that sustain it, thereby, enabling everyone to reach their fullest potential.

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