The combined association will have five branches serving the Somerset County communities of Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Far Hills, Franklin, Green Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, Montgomery, Peapack-Gladstone, Raritan, Somerville, South Bound Brook, and Warren.
This announcement is the result of nearly one year of analysis and planning. In February 2014, the two YMCAs entered into an agreement to share management resources. Based on the success of the initial partnership, the boards of both Ys voted to work towards a permanent unification.
Since 2000, an increasing number of YMCAs across the country have seen great success through mergers as a proven and effective model that contributes to the sustainability of YMCAs.
David M. Carcieri will serve as CEO of the new association. "We are thrilled to be able to move forward as one, united association," said Mr. Carcieri. "I am grateful to our Board Chairs, Jody D'Agostini and Andrea Thorne, for their belief in and passion for the Y's cause. They whole-heartedly embrace the Y's mission and understand that, together, we have an opportunity to make an even greater impact on the communities we serve."
A task force of 12 volunteers representing both Ys spent 10 months conducting an in-depth review. After assessing the viability and benefits of a merger, the task force recommended moving forward to form one association. Members of the task force were Jody D'Agostini, Joseph Del Buono, Tim Foley, Jim Gibson, Jeff Hockenbury, Mark Irwin, Morgan McLachlan, Tom Moschello, Peter Olsen, Jay Perantoni, Paul Ramseur, and Andrea Thorne.
"We believe that there is abundant potential for operating as one association. The need in the community for YMCA services has never been greater," commented Jody D'Agostini, Board Chair for the Somerset Hills YMCA. "The goal of joining together as one association is to better meet community needs and serve individuals and families through a shared mission focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility."
"This is an incredible opportunity to strengthen the Y and advance our cause of strengthening community," said Andrea Thorne, Board Chair of the Somerset Valley YMCA. "By combining our resources and traditions, we will be able to more effectively enhance the membership experience to our current and future members. We are grateful for the vision and leadership that David Carcieri and Karyn Lightcap have shared, as acting CEO and CFO respectively."
For more information about the Somerset Hills YMCA, call 908-766-7898 or visit http://www.somersethillsymca.org/ .
For more information about the Somerset Valley YMCA, call 908-722-4567 or visit http://www.ymcasomersetvalley.org/ .
About the Somerset Hills YMCA & the Somerset Valley YMCA:
The Somerset Hills YMCA and the Somerset Valley YMCA are two of the area's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through our guiding principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility we are dedicated to helping everyone grow in spirit, mind and body regardless of age, income or background. Our programs and services nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
*Photo Caption: David Carcieri, President and CEO of Somerset Hills and Somerset Valley YMCAs.
NEWS SOURCE: Somerset Hills YMCA :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.