JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The First Coast YMCA named Darryl Head as its next President and Chief Executive Officer Monday.
In a press release, the organization says Head will join the association in early May.
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“Darryl is a proven leader and faithful steward of the association’s values - dedicating his life to strengthening communities,” said Pam Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. “Known for his visionary leadership, he is well-positioned to deepen the YMCA’s life-changing impact for children, families and communities across Northeast Florida.”
Head was selected by the First Coast YMCA’s Metro Board of Directors after a nationwide search conducted by a local search committee and in partnership with the YMCA of the USA.
Head has 38 years of YMCA leadership, and most recently served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. He led a team of 1,425 employees across 14 branches and four corporate wellness centers located through an eight-county region, serving more than 78,000 members.
Under his leadership, the association opened the transformative YMCA REACH Center in East Winston-Salem and launched major renovations at four branches.
“I am so honored to join the First Coast YMCA and to become part of this vibrant and growing community,” said Head. “I look forward to building upon the association’s solid foundation and powerful legacy of service, by strengthening community partnerships, supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers, and expanding opportunities for families who rely on the YMCA every day.”
Outside of his work with the YMCA, the organization says Head is an avid runner and frequently trains for races with his running group. Head also volunteers to coach youth sports teams, coaching over 720 kids in the Winston-Salem area. He and his wife, Karin, have two children.
Head succeeds Eric Mann, who served YMCAs across the country for more than 40 years, including 14 years as President and CEO of the First Coast YMCA. Mann will retire at the end of June.
During Mann’s tenure, the First Coast YMCA said its facilities saw significant growth and transformation, with membership increasing by 33% as the organization expanded its reach throughout the region. Notable accomplishments include the renovation of the Johnson Family YMCA and the construction of the Winston Family YMCA.