RPCV Suzanne McCormick (Thailand) New President & CEO, YMCA

Suzanne McCormick is the 15th person and first woman to lead YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the Y — a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Collectively, the nation’s YMCAs engage 11 million members — 4 million of whom are under the age of 18 — annually.

Suzanne became President and CEO of Y-USA in September 2021. She has 27 years of experience as a local and national executive leader in the nonprofit sector, most recently as U.S. President of United Way Worldwide and a member of its global management team. As President, Suzanne was responsible for helping the 1,100 local United Ways across the U.S. build more resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. Under her leadership, the United Way tackled community challenges with innovative, equitable and systemic solutions. She also served as the executive sponsor of United Way’s Women United Global Leadership Council.

Previously, Suzanne spent five years as President and CEO of United Way Suncoast in Tampa, Florida, where she led a strategic plan to break the cycle of generational poverty, drove fundraising growth and increased community impact. During her tenure, she was Chair of the United Ways of Florida, one of the largest United Way state associations. She also served as the Chair of the United Way Network Partnership Group, which focused on developing and leveraging powerful philanthropy initiatives, and the National Professional Council, which advised the CEO of United Way Worldwide on strategic initiatives. Prior to leading United Way Suncoast, Suzanne spent 13 years at United Way of Greater Portland in Maine, including four as President and CEO.

Suzanne’s nonprofit leadership career also includes CEO roles at both the American Red Cross of Southern Maine and the People’s Regional Opportunity Program in Maine.

The NonProfit Times recognized Suzanne in the Power & Influence Top 50, its annual celebration of the nonprofit sector’s top executives and strategists, in 2021. She also serves on the Independent Sector Board of Directors.

Suzanne holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University and is an alumna of the Peace Corps, through which she spent three years teaching English in Thailand.