YMCA CEO Salary: Complete Guide to Executive Compensation in 2026

Key Takeaways

Key Information

Details

Current CEO

Suzanne McCormick

Title

President and Chief Executive Officer

Total Compensation

$892,142

Historic Milestone

First woman to lead YMCA of the USA

Experience

31+ years in nonprofit sector

Previous Role

U.S. President of United Way Worldwide

 

Who Is the Current CEO of YMCA?

Suzanne McCormick serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for all Y associations across the United States. She made history as the first woman to lead the organization in its 180+ year history.

McCormick brings over 31 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, having served as both a local and national executive leader throughout her distinguished career. Before joining the YMCA, she served for three years as U.S. President of United Way Worldwide, one of the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit organizations.

Her educational background includes a degree from Duke University, and she is based in Tampa, Florida, where she continues to drive the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities across America.

 

YMCA CEO Salary: Complete Compensation Breakdown

Understanding executive compensation at nonprofit organizations is essential for transparency and accountability. Here’s what we know about the YMCA CEO salary structure:

Suzanne McCormick’s Total Compensation

According to the latest available data from Ministry Watch, Suzanne McCormick receives a total compensation of $892,142 as President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of the USA.

This compensation package typically includes:

  • Base Salary – The fixed annual salary component
  • Performance Bonuses – Incentive-based compensation tied to organizational goals
  • Benefits Package – Health insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits
  • Deferred Compensation – Long-term incentive plans

How Does YMCA CEO Salary Compare?

Position Level

Estimated Salary Range

National CEO (YMCA of USA)

$892,142

Local YMCA CEO

$134,000 – $248,000

President & CEO (Local)

$137,000 – $239,000

Average YMCA CEO (National)

~$102,363

According to Glassdoor, the total salary range for Chief Executive Officers at The Y (YMCA) varies significantly based on the size and location of the local association, with estimated total pay ranging from $134K to $248K.

Indeed reports that the average YMCA Chief Executive Officer yearly pay in the United States is approximately $102,363, which is 33% below the national average for similar positions. This reflects the nonprofit nature of the organization and the variation between small local YMCAs and larger metropolitan associations.

 

YMCA Executive Compensation Structure

The YMCA maintains a structured approach to executive compensation across its national and local organizations.

National Leadership Compensation

At the national level, YMCA of the USA employs several high-ranking executives beyond the CEO:

Executive Position

Role

President & CEO

Suzanne McCormick

Executive Vice President

Emmanuel Cesar Silva

Chief Financial Officer

Oversees financial operations

Chief Operating Officer

Manages daily operations

The median estimated compensation for executives at YMCA, including base salary and bonus, is $241,755, or approximately $116 per hour according to Comparably.

Factors Affecting YMCA CEO Salaries

Several factors influence how much a YMCA CEO earns:

  • Organization Size – Larger metropolitan YMCAs typically offer higher compensation
  • Annual Budget – CEOs managing larger budgets command higher salaries
  • Geographic Location – Cost of living affects salary levels
  • Membership Numbers – More members often correlate with higher executive pay
  • Program Scope – Organizations with diverse programs may pay more
  • Experience Level – Seasoned executives earn premium compensation

 

Suzanne McCormick’s Leadership Journey

Professional Background

Suzanne McCormick’s path to becoming YMCA CEO showcases a remarkable career in nonprofit leadership:

Career Timeline:

  • Early Career – Built foundation in nonprofit management
  • United Way Worldwide – Served as U.S. President for three years
  • YMCA of the USA – Appointed as President and CEO, making history as the first female leader

Her extensive experience spans local community organizations to national leadership roles, giving her unique insights into nonprofit operations at every level.

Leadership Philosophy

McCormick’s leadership approach emphasizes:

  • Community Impact – Focusing on measurable outcomes for communities served
  • Inclusive Leadership – Breaking barriers as the first woman CEO
  • Strategic Growth – Expanding YMCA’s reach and relevance
  • Youth Development – Prioritizing programs for children and families

 

Understanding Nonprofit Executive Compensation

Why Do Nonprofit CEOs Earn High Salaries?

Many people question why nonprofit executives receive substantial compensation. Here are the key reasons:

  • Talent Competition – Nonprofits compete with for-profit companies for top executives
  • Organizational Complexity – Managing large nonprofits requires sophisticated skills
  • Accountability – CEOs are responsible for billions in assets and thousands of employees
  • Mission Delivery – Effective leadership directly impacts community outcomes
  • Regulatory Compliance – Nonprofits face complex legal and financial requirements

YMCA’s Compensation Philosophy

The YMCA of the USA follows established nonprofit compensation best practices:

  • Board Oversight – Independent board reviews and approves executive compensation
  • Market Benchmarking – Salaries are compared to similar nonprofit organizations
  • Performance Metrics – Compensation tied to organizational achievements
  • Transparency – Compensation disclosed in annual Form 990 filings

 

YMCA Organization Overview

About YMCA of the USA

The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the United States, with:

Metric

Data

Founded

1851

Local Associations

2,700+

Communities Served

10,000+

Annual Participants

Millions

Employees

600,000+ (including part-time)

YMCA’s Mission and Impact

The YMCA focuses on three key areas:

  • Youth Development – Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
  • Healthy Living – Improving the nation’s health and well-being
  • Social Responsibility – Giving back and providing support to neighbors

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does the YMCA CEO make?

The current YMCA of the USA CEO, Suzanne McCormick, receives total compensation of $892,142. Local YMCA CEOs typically earn between $102,363 and $248,000 depending on the size and location of their association.

Who is the current CEO of YMCA?

Suzanne McCormick is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of the USA. She is the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s history.

Is the YMCA CEO salary publicly available?

Yes, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, YMCA of the USA must disclose executive compensation in its annual Form 990 filing, which is publicly accessible.

How does YMCA CEO salary compare to other nonprofits?

The YMCA CEO salary is competitive with other large national nonprofit organizations. Given the YMCA’s size, scope, and impact, the compensation aligns with similar organizations like United Way, American Red Cross, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

What qualifications does the YMCA CEO have?

Suzanne McCormick holds a degree from Duke University and has over 31 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, including serving as U.S. President of United Way Worldwide.

 

Conclusion

The YMCA CEO salary reflects the significant responsibilities of leading one of America’s largest and most impactful nonprofit organizations. Suzanne McCormick’s compensation of $892,142 positions her competitively within the nonprofit sector while acknowledging her historic role as the first woman to lead the YMCA of the USA.

Understanding executive compensation at nonprofits like the YMCA helps donors, members, and stakeholders make informed decisions about their support. The organization’s commitment to transparency through public filings demonstrates accountability to the communities it serves.

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