YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh announces leadership change Kevin Bolding leaving to head YMCA of Central Florida


Kevin Bolding

PITTSBURGH (June 22, 2021) – After 12 years with the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, President and CEO Kevin Bolding will be leaving Pittsburgh late summer to lead the YMCA of Central Florida based in Orlando. Upon his departure, Richard G. Jewell, J.D., chair of the Y’s board of trustees, will serve as interim president and CEO.

Recruited to Pittsburgh in 2009 as the executive director of the Downtown YMCA, Bolding was promoted to district vice president, chief operating officer, and eventually named president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh in 2016. Prior to joining the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, he worked at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit from 1996-2006 and the YMCA of Greater Miami from 2006-2009. His career with the YMCA began in 1994 in his hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he served as executive director.

A courageous and visionary leader, Bolding took a bold approach in tackling the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s most difficult challenges that, if not handled, would have had long-term consequences. In 2018, Bolding successfully navigated the association through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy and restructuring. Exceeding its reorganization plan, 2019 was the Y's most successful financial performance in over 25 years. As a result, the organization was in a strong position at the beginning of the pandemic and a key player in providing food, senior wellness checks, housing, childcare and remote programming for members while branches were closed. During his tenure, Bolding was recognized as an Outstanding CEO by Pittsburgh Business Times and as a Smart 50 honoree by Smart Business Magazine.

“Kevin Bolding was the captain we needed to steer our ship into harbor, and we are grateful that he guided us to safety,” said David Bluemling, chair of the association’s board of directors. “In addition to the bankruptcy, Kevin's legacy includes strategic agreements with affordable housing partners, repurposing YMCA community centers and advocating for a ‘Y Without Walls’ program outreach model. To continue this success, the board will soon be engaged in a search for a new president and CEO who can lead our staff, board and volunteers in a process to ensure that our ship is ready to sail into a strong and successful future.”

 

The YMCA Board and Trustees have a transition plan in place which will involve a nationwide search while Jewell serves as interim president and CEO. Jewell has a long history of service to the YMCA, previously serving as board chair of the Downtown YMCA from 1978 to 1980 and as a member of the YMCA Metropolitan board of directors from 1980 to 1994. In March 2019, Jewell was appointed chair of the YMCA Trustees. Jewell will step back from his trustee responsibilities for the duration of his appointment, which is expected to last six to 12 months. 

 

“It’s been a true honor to serve one of Pittsburgh’s largest and oldest nonprofits,” said Bolding. “Throughout my time at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, I’ve worked with so many dedicated and talented individuals who work tirelessly to go above and beyond to make the Y a special place for all members of the community. I will truly miss each and every team member. With their passion for the Y’s mission, I’m confident the organization’s legacy will live on for the next 165 years.”

About the Y

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is a 501c(3) charitable organization committed to closing the achievement gap, eliminating health disparities and providing aid to financially struggling families throughout the greater Pittsburgh region. Our Y serves more than 80,000 individuals each year and provides nearly $1.5 million dollars in membership subsidies to individuals and families. Every day, the Y works side by side with people of all faiths and beliefs to ensure that everyone regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.