YMCA's new CEO has plenty of experience

The YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie officially has a new CEO who already has plenty of experience with the organization.

Robert Burns will step into this new role on Oct. 12, says a press release.

Burns holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management from Lake Superior State University. He also 'brings a distinctive skill set and expertise through his time working in the area of membership and business development with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce' the release states.

Burns has also been on numerous YMCA committees and the board of directors, having served as chair for two years. In addition, he has served as the chair of the Community Development Award Committee over the past three years.

The full release is as follows: 

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie, I am pleased to announce the hiring of Robert Burns as the Chief Executive Officer of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA effective on Tuesday, Oct. 12 of this year.

Bob a native of Sault Ste. Marie where he resides with his family and has served our local community in various professional and volunteer capacities over the years. Bob holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management from Lake Superior State University and brings a distinctive skill set and expertise through his time working in the area of Membership & Business Development with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

Bob is an enthusiastic leader and has illustrated his commitment to building a strong team that is linked to building a strong YMCA presence in our community. He’s has been on numerous YMCA committees and the board of directors, having served as Chair for two years. In addition, he has served as the Chair of the Community Development Award Committee the past three years. He is an effective collaborator who is committed to strengthening the foundational properties of our YMCA, as well as leading our YMCA in purposeful collaborations that support the strengthening and growth of our YMCA in the North.

More information on Bob’s contact coordinates will be available soon.

The Board wishes to acknowledge the work of Anne Markkula as the Association’s Interim CEO over the last 10 months and are pleased that Anne will be staying on in her leadership role as the Association’s CFO, a role that she has performed in admirably on behalf of our YMCA for the past 30 years.

Please join me in thanking Anne for her leadership and in welcoming Bob as the new CEO of the Sault YMCA.

Joel Rowswell, Chair
Board of Directors
Sault Ste. Marie YMCA