CHICAGO — The YMCA of the USA is searching for a new health and fitness director to replace Michael Spezzano, a 30-year Y veteran. Spezzano left his post in June to serve as the vice president of membership and program development for the Y of Greater New York. The national Y has not yet replaced him or his supervisor, the head of program development, who also recently resigned.
In the interim, Jim Weaton, membership development specialist for the Y, is stepping in to serve as the interim head of program development and membership.
The new national health and fitness director will have large shoes to fill, says Arnold Collins, Y spokesperson. Spezzano, a graduate of Columbia University's Institute for Non-Profit Management with a bachelor's degree in physical education, served on the medical advisory board committee and was in charge of all programs in connnection with health and wellness. In his former position, he collaborated with local Ys, government, private foundations and other organizations to strengthen the Y's efforts to improve individuals' health.
Before serving in his national post, Spezzano led efforts in youth development, adult health and wellness, fitness and sports at the Ys in White Plains, NY; Springfield, MA; and New York City.
“It's certainly an important need,” Collins says about filling the health and fitness director position, but he indicated that the head of program development position might need to be filled first.