YMCA CEO Retirement Announcement
YMCA of the Inland Northwest Announces CEO Alan Lesher’s Retirement After 15 Years of Leadership.
He has been integral in fostering significant growth and innovation within the organization, particularly through expanded community partnerships and the development of new YMCA facilities across the region. These efforts have solidified the YMCA’s role as a critical resource for families and individuals across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
A Legacy of Growth and Community Impact
Since assuming leadership roles with the organization, first as CFO and then as CEO, Lesher has guided the YMCA of the Inland Northwest through numerous transformative initiatives. His tenure is best known for developing the new Central, North, and South Spokane YMCAs, along with the Litehouse YMCA in Sandpoint, Idaho, which expanded the organization’s reach and allowed it to serve a larger population. Under his leadership, the YMCA strengthened its mission to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Lesher’s innovative vision also helped the organization navigate one of the most challenging times in recent history—the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, Lesher ensured that the YMCA continued to be a vital lifeline for the community. Emergency childcare services, community health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and summer camps for children remained operational. His ability to lead with compassion and agility helped the organization provide essential services to families in need during an unprecedented global crisis.
One of Lesher’s most notable recent achievements includes securing land and leading key community engagement efforts for the Glenrose YMCA project. This development is expected to expand access to more families in the growing South Spokane area, enhancing the organization’s ability to deliver essential services and recreational programs to underserved populations.
Statewide Advocacy and National Impact
In addition to his leadership at the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, Lesher has also been a passionate advocate for broader initiatives benefiting families and communities across the state. As a member of the Washington Alliance of YMCAs, he championed efforts to improve access to affordable, high-quality childcare—a pressing issue for many working families in the region. Lesher also played a critical role in enhancing youth safety and aquatics programs, ensuring that children and teens have the tools and resources they need to thrive in and out of the water.
Lesher’s influence extended beyond the local and state level. Nationally, he served as a Trustee of the 501c Agencies Trust, supporting over 1,400 independent nonprofit organizations across the United States. Through his role, Lesher contributed to strengthening the financial and operational sustainability of nonprofit organizations, helping them navigate evolving challenges in the nonprofit sector.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Service
As he prepares for retirement, Lesher reflects on his 15 years with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve communities across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. “It has been an honor to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners,” said Lesher. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. Our work to support children, families, and individuals through our programs and services will have a lasting impact. I am confident that the YMCA of the Inland Northwest will continue to thrive and grow in the years ahead.”
Lesher plans to spend time with his family and pursue various servant leadership roles within the community. While he will no longer be at the helm of the YMCA, his contributions will continue to shape the organization’s future.
In response to Lesher’s announced retirement, the YMCA Board of Directors has launched a nationwide search for his successor. The Board, in collaboration with the YMCA of the USA National Resource Office and the Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, is looking for a new CEO who will build on Lesher’s legacy and lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and passionate leader with a strong track record of success in nonprofit management, community engagement, and service delivery.
“We are incredibly grateful for Alan’s dedication, vision, and leadership over the past 15 years,” said Steve Utt, Chair of the YMCA Board of Directors. “Under Alan’s guidance, the YMCA has expanded its reach, strengthened its programs, and solidified its position as a cornerstone of our community. We are committed to finding a strong, innovative leader who will build upon Alan’s legacy and guide the YMCA toward a bright future.”
Lesher is scheduled to depart in the first quarter of 2025. The search for a new CEO is expected to find a candidate who shares the YMCA’s values of youth development, community health, and social responsibility.
Next Steps for the YMCA of the Inland Northwest
The YMCA Board of Directors will release a detailed executive vacancy announcement in the coming days. This will include information on how interested candidates can apply and the qualifications and experience sought in the next leader. The YMCA of the Inland Northwest remains committed to its mission and is excited to embark on this next phase of growth and service.
Learn more about the YMCA’s programs, community impact, and upcoming developments like the Glenrose YMCA.