YMCA of Greenwich appoints new CEO
GREENWICH — The YMCA of Greenwich on Monday announced its new chief executive officer.
Matthew Skaarup, who was selected and appointed by the Board of Directors, will succeed Patrice Francois, who has been serving as the interim chief executive officer.
In his new role, Skaarup will be responsible for increasing membership services and family and youth programming, and further developing community wellness initiatives. He will assume responsibilities on Dec. 6.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead an organization that has such a meaningful impact on the lives of the Greenwich community,” Skaarup said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the vital work the YMCA has provided for over a century and finding new ways to serve the people of Greenwich.”
Skaarup began his YMCA career in New York State with the Capital District YMCA in Albany. In his tenure there, he assumed progressively responsible roles at multiple branches within the association. Skaarup is currently district executive director with oversight of the Guilderland and Duanesburg branches and is project lead for the management agreement with the Fulton County YMCA in upstate New York.
“During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates throughout the tristate region, but
Matt’s energy and vision for the Greenwich YMCA are what made him stand out,” said Shahryar Oveissi, chairman of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greenwich.
“With Matt’s extensive experience in nonprofit management and passion for social responsibility and healthy living, we know that the YMCA of Greenwich will have outstanding leadership for years to come. We welcome Matt as the Greenwich YMCA celebrates its 105th anniversary serving the community,” Oveissi said.
Skaarup has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management. He is a seasoned mission-driven leader and critical thinker who has a proven track record developing effective community partnerships and fundraising on behalf of the underserved members of the community, according to a statement from the YMCA.
“The YMCA of Greenwich’s Board of Directors would also like to take this opportunity to thank Pat Francois who has been serving as the Interim CEO,” added Oveissi. “Her dedication and commitment to the Y allowed our organization to function smoothly and efficiently while we searched for the right candidate.”
Skaarup received his bachelor of arts degree from Manhattan College.
The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich. Founded in 1916, it offers programs and services that promote and sustain healthy living, youth development and social responsibility in order to nurture the potential of everyone in the community.
The previous full-time CEO, Bob DeAngelo, resigned in September 2019, saying he would pursue other endeavors. DeAngelo had started at the Greenwich YMCA in August 2015. He had previously been the executive director at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.
To learn more about the YMCA of Greenwich visit www.greenwichymca.org.