press releases
For media inquiries please contact:
Rick Batyko
rbatyko@clevelandymca.org
direct: 216-263-6836
cell: 330-421-3178
Rick Batyko
rbatyko@clevelandymca.org
direct: 216-263-6836
cell: 330-421-3178
November 14, 2019
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November 11, 2020
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YMCA of Greater Cleveland Appoints Michelle Bennett as Controller and Director of Finance
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland today announced the organization has appointed Michelle Bennett as controller and director of finance. In this role, she will oversee the organization's daily accounting operations, including the accounting, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable departments. “We are delighted to welcome Michelle to our team,” says Holly DuPlain, chief financial officer. “She has a depth of experience in accounting that will bring additional business acumen and analytical skills to our work. She is also passionate about the nonprofit sector and the mission-driven work of the Y.” Bennett has a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Stella Maris College in India. She earned her master’s in accounting from Cleveland State University and is certified by the Accountancy Board of Ohio as a certified public accountant. Michelle’s career as an accountant spans over 18 years, including more than 13 years as a controller. Bennett grew up in Chennai, India, and is a proud member of the Anglo-Indian community. She moved to the United States in January 2002 with her son. She became a United States citizen in 2007. |
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AUG 25, 2020
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The Cleveland Foundation Provides Grant to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland for Expanding and Enhancing Y-Haven's Recovery Services During Covid-19
The Cleveland Foundation has awarded the YMCA of Greater Cleveland a grant of $200,000 for expanding and enhancing Y-Haven's recovery services during COVID-19. Y-Haven provides housing and drug and alcohol treatment to those struggling with homelessness and addiction. The center offers an array of services to help participants recover from addiction, find work and secure permanent housing. Y-Haven holds top-level accreditation from CARF International. The grant will enable Y-Haven to:
“The stress from social isolation and other COVID-19 related life changes can lead to or worsen substance use and misuse,” added Ed Gemerchak, Executive Director of Y-Haven Transitional Housing. “Y-Haven’s staff has performed exemplarily under the circumstance to meet the needs of our residents. This funding will provide them with better tools and resources to enhance the care that is so desperately needed for our residents who are working hard to make positive and lasting changes in their lives.” |
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AUG 18, 2020 |
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YMCA of Greater Cleveland Appoints Susan Fuehrer to its Board of Directors
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Susan Fuehrer to its Board of Directors. Fuehrer serves as MetroHealth’s President for the Institute for H.O.P.E.TM (Health, Opportunity, Partnership, Empowerment). YMCA Board members are responsible for establishing policy and strategic direction for the Y, as well as creating opportunities and establishing relationships that advance the YMCA’s mission and cause. Fuehrer joined the MetroHealth System in 2019. In her role with the Institute, she addresses social determinants of health in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. Through connecting members of Northeast Ohio with resources and support – healthy food, job training, housing, legal services, and equitable, quality healthcare – the Institute for H.O.P.E. helps people in the community live healthy lives of opportunity, dignity, and hope. “We are excited to welcome Susan to the board of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland,” said Marc Hays, partner, Acquisitions and Leasing at Stanbery Development Group and chair of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board of Trustees. “Susan’s background in advocacy, running the VA and now as President of Institute for H.O.P.E., perfectly aligns with our strategic goals. Her expertise will be invaluable as we work to be a leading organization in NE Ohio working towards racial and social equity with the community.” Previously, Susan served as the CEO and Executive Director of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. She spent 34 years at the VA and rose from a management intern to become CEO in September 2010. She served as the leader and visionary for one of VA’s largest healthcare systems with a strong reputation for excellent outcomes and value for patient care, academic education and research. Susan completed her Bachelor of Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1986 and Master of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 1990. She is also a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She currently serves on the boards of the Greater Northern Ohio American Red Cross, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation and the Center for Health Affairs. Susan was a recipient of a Presidential Rank Award, the most prestigious award in Federal career civil service, in 2019. |
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August 13, 2020
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Misty Musson as director, major gifts.
In this role, she will work with the Chief Philanthropy Officer in charting the organization’s course in financial development especially as it relates to cultivating and soliciting Major Gifts. Musson joins a growing Philanthropy Department at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, which is increasingly committed to donor engagement and development in response to growing community needs for the Y’s services. “Misty’s passion is serving those most in need in the community, which is reflected in her career,” said Beth Darmstadter, chief philanthropy officer. “She has been involved in all aspects of nonprofit fundraising, so we look forward leveraging her skills, talents and leadership in our Philanthropy Department.” Musson previously served as the development manager for Shoes and Clothes for Kids and assistant director for Parent and Family Giving. She also served as assistant director of donor relations with Oberlin College. Musson began her career as an intake supervisor and intensive case manager for Recovery Resources. Musson, who is a native Clevelander, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kent State University. In her spare time, Musson enjoys travelling and spending time with her three children and their dog. |
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July 1, 2020 |
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Shanette Buford-Brazzell as Director, Annual Campaign.
Buford-Brazzell will develop and implement annual campaign strategies in conjunction with the Y’s branches. She comes to the Y from Case Western Reserve University where she served in the Weatherhead School of Management alumni and development department as the Assistant Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. “We are delighted to welcome Shanette to our Y,” said Beth Darmstadter, chief philanthropy officer. “Her background in nonprofit fundraising and stewardship will help us enhance our annual giving programs and build even stronger connections to our donors. She has an extensive network within the Cleveland philanthropic community and a deep commitment to the not-for-profit sector.” Buford-Brazzell is a member of various young professional boards, professional and volunteer organizations, including Downtown Cleveland Alliance City Advocate, Cleveland State University’s Young Alumni Council, WISE Cleveland (Women in Sports and Events) and Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cleveland Chapter. She is a 2013 graduate of Cleveland State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Journalism and Promotional Communication degree. In 2016, she received an executive certificate in sports philanthropy from George Washington University in Washington D.C. |
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November 5, 2019
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Jeff Jacko as the Branch Executive Director at its North Royalton Family YMCA in North Royalton, OH.
He comes to the YMCA from the City of Shaker Heights, where he served as Special Events and Marketing Coordinator. Jacko returns to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, where he formerly served as Executive Director of Member Services after working as the Branch Executive Director at the Hillcrest Family YMCA. He has 18 years of fitness and recreation leadership, including staff recruitment and development, facility operations, membership marketing and community engagement. “We are delighted that Jeff is returning to our Association,” said Michael Carter, Central District Executive for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “He is veteran of fitness and membership organizations, including Bally Total Fitness and Life Time Fitness as well as his work in city recreation. Jeff knows the Y’s culture and is committed to its mission. He will be a great leader for our North Royalton branch.” Jacko graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a B.A. in Arts, Fitness Management. He is a certified Parks and Recreation Professional |
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November 5, 2019
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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has appointed Eric Stinehelfer as branch executive director of its French Creek Family YMCA in Avon
Stinehelfer has an extensive career in the YMCA working in Ys in Bucyrus and Fostoria, Ohio, where he served as the CEO of the Geary Family YMCA for 12 years, the release said. He has held leadership roles at Ys in St. Louis, Rock River, Ill. and Tampa, Fla. Stinehelfer is a graduate of Tiffin University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, the release said. “Eric’s is the right leader at the right time for our French Creek Family YMCA,” said Steve Crone, West District executive for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “His depth of experience in the YMCA will be valuable as we add innovative new offerings and reignite family fun at this branch. "We are excited to welcome him to our ranks.” |
