Jim Janzen is resigning as president and CEO of YMCAs across Southwestern Ontario, effective September 15.
He has been named the new senior vice president of the YMCA Ontario Resource Development Centre with the YMCA of Greater Toronto. In Janzen's new role, he'll support the organization through transitional changes like mergers and growth opportunities.
He says it's a great opportunity.
"I'm able to work remotely, so I'll still be in Sarnia-Lambton and living in Camlachie," says Janzen. "It's a movement within the federation that is YMCA Canada to YMCA Ontario and the leadership of work that we're doing as a collective of 21 YMCAs in Ontario. So, it's exciting stuff."
He says he has a lot to be proud of in his time working locally.
"I'm happy with the work we've done with newcomers and settlement, strong work in health and fitness, and really the growth of licensed child care across southwestern Ontario," says Janzen. "I would say also the merger of the two major YMCAs in Chatham and Sarnia a couple years back, and construction of a new YMCA in Chatham. All of those things really make me feel good when I sit back and reflect on it."
Janzen has been in his current role since 2005, and has been with the organization for 32 years including stops in London, Coburg, Hamilton, Burlington, and Calgary.
A 90 to 180 day transition plan is being developed to ensure a smooth changeover in leadership.
The YMCA board will be meeting July 13, with further details to follow.