Submitted by the South Sound YMCA
The South Sound YMCA announced today that Kyle Cronk has been named the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. Cronk will start November 30, 2015. The decision was reached after a comprehensive, volunteer-led national search by the South Sound YMCA Board of Trustees.
Cronk will be succeeding Mike West, current President and CEO, who will be retiring after an impactful 34 year career including 21 years with the South Sound Y. “I’m pleased that the South Sound YMCA has a CEO in place for the long term,” West said. “While I have enjoyed my stewardship to the YMCA, I’m confident in the Board’s selection. I look forward to my retirement and I wish the Board of Trustees, staff team, volunteers and members continued success.”
The South Sound Y Board conducted an extensive search that brought in a large pool of highly qualified candidates from across the country. Board Chair Steve Hatton said, “I’m thrilled with the selection of Kyle as our new CEO. He gained unanimous approval following a thorough and rigorous process that produced several outstanding candidates. We are excited about the future of our Y under Kyle’s leadership and believe the whole community will benefit greatly from his knowledge, skills, and passion for our mission.”
Cronk’s commitment to the Y began in 1987 as a volunteer cabin leader at YMCA Camp Orkila. Since then he has held several different positions including Childcare Leader, Youth Development Director, Operations Director and for the past six years, Chief Executive Officer at the Olympic Peninsula YMCA. Kyle currently serves as the YUSA Small/Mid-Size YMCA Cabinet and was one of three YMCA CEOs hand-picked to serve on YUSA’s most recent National CEO Search Committee. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Washington State University in Pullman.
Cronk will lead the South Sound YMCA that has two branch facilities and a Child Development Extension with 29 childcare locations and one full-day site. The South Sound YMCA serves more than 50,000 families and members.
When asked about his new position, Kyle said “I’m honored and humbled. The South Sound Y has a rich tradition of positively impacting lives and meeting many critical social issues in the community. I’m thrilled to be selected to build upon the great work that has been achieved under the leadership of Mike West. I’m excited to partner with the outstanding board, staff, volunteers, and members to expand the reach and impact of our Y!”