Jason “J. Mitch” Mitchell Joins New Milford YMCA as New Sports and Recreation Director

By: Mollie Shauger | Thursday, May 1, 2025 | Youth Programs

Jason "J. Mitch" Mitchell

NEW MILFORD, NJ - New Milford YMCA Program Center, a location of the Greater Bergen County YMCA, is excited to welcome Jason Mitchell as the Y’s new Sports and Recreation Director. In this role, he will oversee all youth and adult sports activities and work closely with the Y’s leadership team to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs to the community. ​​With a career rooted in athletics, youth development, and community programming, Mitchell, who goes by “J. Mitch,” brings both experience and passion to this vital role.

“We’re thrilled to have J. Mitch on board as he steps into this role with energy, vision, and a deep commitment to youth and family enrichment. He’ll be expanding and creating new programming designed to benefit families and children of all backgrounds and abilities — helping us further our mission and nurture the potential of every young person through the power of sports, teamwork, and belonging,” said Jason Kelly, Executive Director at New Milford YMCA Program Center.

Mitchell started his career in sports during college at Rutgers University. While majoring in Exercise Science and Sport Studies with a minor in Psychology, Mitchell worked in various roles for the Rutgers Football team including recruiting and ultimately held the role of Director of External Operations for the record-breaking 2006 football season when the Scarlet Knights finished with a 10 - 2 record.

This revival of the Rutgers football program drew Mitchell to the attention of the NFL and in 2007 he was asked to join the New Orleans Saints organization as a scout. In that role, he traveled the country finding potential in young players throughout college football and was promoted to the role of College Scouting Coordinator in 2008. He also grew within the organization over his 10-year tenure. Ultimately, Mitchell became Head Coach Sean Payton’s assistant. One of his proudest accomplishments was celebrating the Saints winning Super Bowl 44 in 2010.

While a drive for excellence at these highest levels is part of his nature, Mitchell also has a love for the people and communities of New Jersey. In 2017, he joined the Princeton football program as Director of Operations. While there he helped with the coaching staff to lead to the first-ever number one recruiting class in FCS and was an integral part for the 2018 undefeated season and Ivy League championship team (the first undefeated team in 54 years for Princeton). Eventually, he directed that passion for sports and community back to his hometown of Cresskill. Mitchell was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Borough of Cresskill for four years where he oversaw parks, fields, special events, concerts, the Senior Center, summer camp, and the Recreation Department.

“I’m truly honored to join the New Milford YMCA Program Center in this position. I’m excited to support and help grow the powerful impact the Y has on individuals and families across our community. For me, leadership is about listening, showing up, and helping others thrive - and I look forward to contributing wherever I can to move the mission forward and be a part of the amazing team at the Y,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell is excited to launch new programming that incorporates values that he shares with the Y: offering affordable activities, encouraging kids to stay active, and fostering connections while preventing isolation. Mitchell expressed his intention to explore ways to partner with neighboring towns and recreation departments to enhance the sports offerings available to families. He emphasized that his door is always open to new ideas and community involvement.

Outside of his profession, Mitchell is also a diehard season-ticket holder of the NY Yankees, an avid bowler and has bowled a “perfect” 300 game. He also plays table tennis, golf, and loves to play with his dog Lucky.

New Milford YMCA Program Center, which opened in 2022 in the former Ascension Church School at 1092 Carnation Dr., currently offers a variety of youth sports programs in basketball, soccer, volleyball and pickleball. This summer, the Y is partnering with Challenger Sports to provide a Creative Skills Soccer Camp for kids ages 3-14, catering to all skill levels. The camp will focus not only on developing technical skills but also on fostering teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game. 

To learn more about sports and camps at the Y, visit metroymcas.org/newmilford.

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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 six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater 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