New president and CEO will strive to grow the Y’s reach as a transformative partner in improving the health and wellness of the Dallas region

 

 

DALLAS (November 7, 2016) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas today announced Curt Hazelbaker, president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, as its new president and CEO following the retirement of long-time president and CEO Gordon Echtenkamp. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas includes 24 YMCA locations across the Dallas area.


“The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas can help solve some of the most critical challenges we face as a community – specifically in the areas of health and wellness,” said Kelvin Walker, Board Chair of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Yes, the Y is a great place to swim and our life-saving swimming lessons make us a key public safety partner.

The Y has accessible, leading programs for youth and adults and top-notch gyms and because exercise contributes to both physical and mental wellness, the Y is a key public health partner. Curt Hazelbaker’s task as CEO will be to expand the reach of the Y. We know that improving health and wellness in our community is a complex challenge, but when you combine the power of Y volunteers, proven programs and an extraordinary leader like Curt Hazelbaker, the Y is perfectly positioned to make a transformative impact.”

Mr. Hazelbaker is not new to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. In fact, he worked at the Town North Family YMCA as a camp counselor when he was young. This experience spring boarded a passion for the Y that became his life’s career path, leading him to various positions within the YMCA, before being named president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. There Mr. Hazelbaker’s fund raising efforts doubled annual giving and he formed several key new programs in the areas of education, childhood obesity, aquatics and community wellness.

Additionally, Mr. Hazelbaker holds significant leadership positions for the Y nationally. He is a current Board Member of the YMCA of the USA Board of Directors – one of only five YMCA employees on the 27-member board. The board is a national resource office for America’s 2,700 YMCAs. He currently chairs a vital philanthropy effort, advises for the YUSA strategic plan and Y governance, and is engaged in efforts to better outreach to millennials.

“It feels great to be back where my love for the YMCA began,” said Curt Hazelbaker, incoming President and CEO YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and lead the community that has given me so much. Our three pillars are youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. By focusing on these three areas, the Y can be a truly transformative partner in improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve. Thanks to current president and CEO Gordon Echtenkamp and the great foundation that he has built over the past 16 years of his tenure, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is poised to be that partner. I’m honored to grow that role for the Y.”

Mr. Hazelbaker will officially assume the role of President and CEO on January 16, 2017. Mr. Echtenkamp will stay on for a period of time to help with the transition. Mr. Hazelbaker and his wife Melody, an educational testing coordinator, have two daughters, Maddie (22) and Caroline (19). 

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas:
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas (Y) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the foundation of our community by developing successful youth, engaging people in healthy living, and instilling a commitment to social responsibility. We provide support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at www.ymcadallas.org.

Media Contact: Lexington Holt, Allyn
214-871-7723, Lexi@allynmedia.com