Ex-CEO of Regina YMCA ‘shocked’ he was ousted

Randy Klassen is puzzled by the Regina YMCA board of director’s decision to let him go as the organization’s CEO.

At the end of March, the board notified the 53-year-old his services were no longer required and he was let go without cause.

“It was just a shock to me,” Klassen said.

When asked if he had locked horns with board members, Klassen said the board wanted to get more involved in YMCA operations, but “that is the CEO’s job.”

“I was resisting their operational interference — that might have had something to do with it,” he said.

The board’s job is to set the organization’s strategic direction and provide oversight for the community, he said.

Klassen said he has loved working at the YMCA.

“I like its values, I like the community building aspect — building stronger communities — and my plan was to retire as the YMCA CEO and live in Regina here,” he said.

“I’ve had quite a few opportunities to switch cities and move to larger YMCAs around Canada, but I’ve always turned down those opportunities.”

Klassen is upset YMCA members were emailed indicating he has “moved on from our YMCA as President & CEO” – when he didn’t want to move.

David Froh, YMCA board chair, declined to be interviewed by the Leader-Post, but said in an email statement: “Our volunteer Board of Directors takes our stewardship role seriously.

“Our former CEO’s departure was without cause and is a private matter, and the board of directors are committed to respecting his privacy.

“During the transition the YMCA will remain focused on enhancing member experience and our community impact.”

Froh’s email noted Klassen’s long history with the YMCA, which began as a youth program director and manager at Camp Ta-Wa-Si.

“Over the years Randy served in many roles in YMCA’s across the country, including as CEO of the Regina YMCA. Randy was always passionate about his work and the members who accessed YMCA programs and services. I would like to thank Randy for his years of service and wish him well in the future.”

With regard to the wording of the email, Froh said: “We chose to focus on and acknowledge his contributions while respecting his privacy.”

Over his 17 years as CEO, Klassen said the organization has flourished and noted that according to YMCA Canada’s audits, the Regina YMCA is one of the top YMCAs across the country.

The Regina YMCA is growing in membership and budget, Klassen said.

“When I got there, we just had the downtown YMCA with 3,000 members and a budget of about $2 million,” he said.

“Now the budget is going up to $13 million to $14 million, there’s three centres and 12,000 members. When I started, we had about 30 full-time staff. Now, we have 200 full-time staff and another 120 part-time staff. It’s grown to be a very large organization in the last 17 years.”

The board of directors has appointed John Bailey as interim president and CEO. “He’s a really good solid guy,” Klassen said.

“He’s a strong staff person, makes good decisions – a very smart guy. John was my manager for the past 2 1/2 years as community development manager and I got along very well with him.”