Greater Bergen County YMCA Names New Executive Director

By: Mollie Shauger | Thursday, April 20, 2023 | Leadership

Jason Kelly

NEW MILFORD, NJ - The Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Milford Center has promoted seasoned Y leader Jason Kelly to Executive Director, succeeding Glenn MacAfee, who will be stepping down May 1 after 11 years at the Greater Bergen Y. 

As Executive Director, he will be responsible for the leadership and oversight of all major operations, staff, facility and financial management, as well as setting the strategic vision and direction for the branch. He will work closely with the District Executive Director and Board of Managers to advance the Y’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and develop programming that enhances the community. Kelly takes the helm on May 1 just as the Y marks the one-year anniversary of its grand opening in New Milford. 

“My goal as Executive Director is to continue building on the positive foundation we’ve created over this past year in New Milford, and connect with local groups and businesses to see how the Y can best serve the community,” he said. 

Kelly is former Associate Executive Director at the Greater Bergen Y and currently Senior Director of Youth Sports and Wellness for Greater Bergen, East Orange, and South Mountain YMCAs. Over the last five years, Kelly has been instrumental in spurring the creation of new programs for both adults and children, and growing enrollment in these programs. Since its grand opening in New Milford last April, the Greater Bergen Y has relaunched many of its wellness and sports programs for kids and adults. Enrollment is growing in the Y’s camps this summer at New Milford and Harriman State Park, NY, and the Y has introduced exciting recreation and enrichment programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children.

Kelly has more than a decade of experience working with kids as a coach, teacher, and mentor in school athletic programs. At the Y, he developed new ways to engage youth and families during the pandemic with the launch of sports pods and Esports, as well as virtual 5Ks across the entire Metro Y association. Under his leadership, he also introduced the empowering “Her Time to Play” program, in partnership with the WNBA and Jr. NBA, at the South Mountain Y, and it quickly generated high interest among young girls looking for an outlet to play basketball. 

Kelly also serves as chair of NJ YMCA Sports Peer Community and director of NJ YMCA Basketball League. He holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Education/Athletic Administration.

"We are excited to have someone with Jason's energy, passion, and enthusiasm leading the next chapter in the Greater Bergen County YMCA's story. It is these attributes, combined with his successes in previous roles, including within our Association, that will result in the Y becoming an asset to the community," said Ed Philipp, Sr. VP and Chief Operating Officer at the Metro YMCA of the Oranges.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to this role in what is an exciting time for the branch. Jason has proven experience in community impact in all three areas of our mission: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. I am looking forward to seeing the Greater Bergen Y thrive and build meaningful partnerships and programs under his leadership,” said District Executive Director James Goodger.

Families will have the opportunity to meet Kelly at upcoming community events including Healthy Kids Day on April 29, as well as New Milford Little League Opening Day on April 15.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.