The YMCA of Metro Atlanta named Lauren A. Koontz as the organization’s first woman president and CEO, replacing Edward G. Munster who is retiring after 42 years with the YMCA, officials announced in a press release Monday.
“I believe in the Y’s mission, share its values, respect its history and know the deep responsibility and opportunity we have to assure the Y’s continued impact and success while driving innovation and growth for the future,” Koontz said in a statement.
Koontz first joined the YMCA in 2012 as chief development officer, overseeing all fundraising efforts including annual campaigns, according to the news release. In 2016, Koontz’s role expanded to executive vice president in which she oversaw the organization’s membership and youth development branches.
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During her tenure, Koontz has increased the organization’s annual Why It Matters giving campaign — which provides scholarships for YMCA programs and memberships — by 136 percent. She has also led the Outdoor Vision Capital campaign, which raised more than $8 million to support Camp High Harbor at Lake Burton and Lake Allatoona.
“We are so appreciative of Ed’s great work in taking the YMCA to the next level during his tenure, leading the YMCA and in the grooming of Lauren to take the reins of the most successful non-profit in Atlanta,” YMCA board chair Kelly Barrett said in the release. “I cannot wait to see the impact that Lauren will make in the next several years.”
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta consists of 18 branches, 12 early learning centers, nearly 100 afterschool programs sites and 9 outdoor camp locations.
Koontz will begin her new duties as president and CEO in mid-July.
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