NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF NIAGARA
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ST. CATHARINES - To further our objective of building healthy communities in the Niagara Region, the Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Chuang as the new chief executive officer of the YMCA of Niagara.
“It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to Steven Chuang as he takes his place as Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Niagara, on May 10,” said Mike Watt, chair of the Board of Directors. “Steven brings a career history that elevates mission-driven organizations and will continue to build the legacy of YMCA of Niagara in serving community. He is an ardent believer in developing resilient and healthy communities that harness the power of civic engagement and partnerships.”
Steven comes to us from Regent Park Community Health Centre in Toronto where he served as director overseeing programs such as Early Years, EarlyON, Pathways to Education, Youth Outreach and Employment and Support Services. With more than 15 years of experience in community non-profit leadership, urban planning, teaching, and public policy research, Steven has a unique blend of qualifications and personal character well suited for this important leadership role in Niagara.
As a seasoned teaching faculty member at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, recently awarded the Deans’ Teaching Fellow in the fields of community service, Steven brings a rich and diverse formal education to the role. He holds an undergraduate degree in social sciences from the University of Toronto and post graduate degrees in urban public policy planning and business administration from York University and Ryerson University.
“In Steven Chuang, we are confident we have found a leader who exemplifies the values of our YMCA, including caring, respect, inclusiveness, health, honesty, responsibility, and serving with a spirit of reconciliation and purpose,” said outgoing Interim CEO Steve Boone. “Steven is recognized as a highly effective relationship-builder, one who can collaborate with multiple stakeholders and achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.
Frequently described as a humble leader with a talent for building strong engaged teams Steven says, “It is an honour to join the YMCA family and to have the opportunity to carry out its mission of building healthy communities. My priorities will be to engage with community members and all stakeholders across 12 municipalities in the region to develop long lasting partnerships to further bolster our programs and services.”
While new to Niagara, Steven will quickly come to appreciate the unique talents of the people and the beauty inherent in our region.
The selection of our new CEO was carried out by a committee appointed by the YMCA of Niagara Board of Directors and chaired by Mike Watt, the current board chair. The search committee was supported by Suzanne Johnston, strategic advisor, YMCA of Niagara; and Jim Janzen, a representative from YMCA Ontario. Steven will assume his new role effective May 10, 2021 and will work with outgoing Interim CEO Steve Boone to transition the responsibilities.
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