2025 is in full swing, and we're here with a new issue packed full of insights and trends for the new year 🎊 Check out our cover story on the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth and how CEO Mike Brown is leading with love. Flip through the pages here: https://t.co/tAXmjqG8em

Watch our latest Expert Q&A featuring the YMCA of the Rockies! During the ongoing government shutdown, YMCA of the Rockies is mobilizing staff and volunteers for weekend hikes to maintain Rocky Mountain National Park trails. Watch the full video here: https://t.co/mBiMtRg2s7

When Grants Pass Family YMCA noticed their chlorine system wasn’t delivering consistent results, they needed to modernize operations. This led them to TMI Sustainable Aquatics. Brad Converse, the CEO of the YMCA, shares here why they partnered with TMI:

🤝 Member loyalty in the recreation world doesn’t always come from deep discounts. In the latest column by Judi Christy, you'll see how to build loyalty through culture, connection and creative incentives. Read the full column here:

Have you watched our latest podcast episode? If not, click the link below and listen to Christina Bragg, the vice president of marketing and communications at the YMCA of Metro Los Angeles discuss the Y’s response to the January fires. Listen to it here:

Check out our newest facility tour video on the newly‐renovated Missoula Family YMCA in Montana! If you’re thinking about ways to enhance access, programming and member experience in your facility, this model is worth a closer look. Watch the video here: https://t.co/657wihR2V7

NEWS: On October 11-12, teens from across North Carolina came together at YMCA of Greensboro Camp Weaver to launch the YMCA’s inaugural NC State Teen Mental Health Advisory Council. Read the full story here:

In the September/October 2025 issue, we spoke with Sarah Folmar, the CEO of the Danville Family YMCA, for the latest edition of the The Last Word. Folmar details her start in the industry, her biggest accomplishments and more! Read the conversation here:

🧠💪 Fitness and mental wellness aren’t separate journeys — they’re intertwined paths. Exercise doesn’t just build stronger bodies — it builds stronger minds. Carter Collins, the owner of IFTA, shares here more about how the two worlds intersect:

Summer may be over, but the work of building great camps never stops. 🏕️ Jason Schaitz, shares how to turn the offseason into an advantage — from surveying families and reviewing operations to investing in staff training and facility upgrades. Read more:

NEWS: The Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors is proud to announce Allison D’Antonio as the Y’s new CEO. A seasoned YMCA leader with nearly 15 years of experience across the organization, D’Antonio brings unmatched expertise. Read the story here:

In this Expert Q&A, Brian Vest, vice president of operations at the YMCA of Greenville, shares how the Caine Halter Family YMCA Branch's recent renovations are helping expand engagement and meet evolving community needs. Watch the full interview here:

NEWS: Benjamin Coffey announced his resignation as CEO of the Tri-State Family YMCA on Friday, October 10, 2025. Coffey served as the CEO of the YMCA since June 2018, and was previously an executive director at the YMCA of Kansas City. Read the story:

US Youth Soccer has leaned on Players Health not only for financial predictability, but for expertise in preventing claims before they happen. For centers aiming to protect participants and control costs, this model is one to watch. Read the story here:

NEWS: The YMCA of Western North Carolina announced the selection of Tim Blenco as its new president and CEO, effective December 1, 2025. Blenco succeeds Paul Vest, who is retiring from the YMCA after 40 years of service. Read the story here:

Arly is once again helping to lead the charge in community recreation innovation. Together, we’re empowering leaders to strengthen communities through technology, collaboration and purpose. Read about Arly’s return and the impact of this partnership here:

Join leaders like Jorge Perez, the president and CEO at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, and Louis Lopez, the president and CEO at the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, at the 2026 Community Rec Leadership Summit. 👉 Email editor John Reecer at john@peakemedia.com to secure your spot!

NEWS: Valley of the Sun JCC announced Oded Kraus will be organization’s next CEO, effective October 6. Kraus replaces former CEO Jay Jacobs who is stepping down at the end of the year after nearly a decade of service to the community. Read the story here:

BREAKING: The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg announced Nicci Bucher has been selected as the next president and CEO of the YMCA. Bucher will succeed David Jezek, who announced his retirement after 18 years of dedicated service. Read the story here:

BREAKING: After 14 years of leadership, Sid Jacobson JCC announced today executive director David Black will retire, effective at the end of business on Friday, October 31. Black will be succeeded by Michael Schlank on November 3. Read the story here:

🎯 Want your rec center to be as “bingeable” as Netflix? The latest column from Ben Ludwig details how the “Netflix Effect” teaches us four engagement strategies that can transform how members interact with your community rec programs: Read it here: