The YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area has named Cari McCoy as its next president and CEO, effective Jan. 29.
Ms. McCoy was selected by the organization’s board of directors following a three-month national search. She will succeed Bob Carlson, who announced his retirement last fall.
“During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates from throughout the country, and Cari stood out among the rest,” said Jason Neighbor, the YMCA’s board chair in a statement. “Her energy and vision for the YMCA is exactly what we were looking for in a leader.”
Ms. McCoy brings executive experience from the private sector, most recently serving as vice president of strategic operations at Van Meter. She previously served as CEO of Clickstop.
The appointment comes as the organization prepares to open its Prairie Summit YMCA location later this spring in partnership with the College Community School District. The facility will join the organization’s existing Helen G. Nassif YMCA in downtown Cedar Rapids and the Marion YMCA, along with YMCA Camp Wapsie in northern Linn County.
“It is a privilege to join the Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA family,” Ms. McCoy said in a statement. “The YMCA has long been a cornerstone of this community and a source of connection and wellness for so many families, including my own.”
Ms. McCoy has been recognized as a Forty Under 40 award recipient by the Corridor Business Journal. She currently serves on the Marion Economic Development Corporation board and holds leadership roles with Goodwill of the Heartland, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance’s Workforce Innovation Council and ImpactCR.
