The YMCA in Greenwich, CT, will continue its renovations under the direction of a new chief executive officer, Edward Philipp, who was hired after the Y board interviewed 20 candidates.
Although Philipp’s official start date is not until Aug. 20, he plans to sit in on meetings and meet with board directors one-on-one until he begins.
Club Industry reported in April that the Greenwich Y had been approved to continue its renovation after financial issues held up the project for three years. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of September.
“Ed Philipp is the right person at the right time to lead Greenwich’s YMCA into the future. He has an incredibly strong background in the Y philosophy and programming,” CEO Charlie Leigh told The Greenwich Post.
Philipp has been involved with the Y since he was in college, starting as an intern and eventually becoming fitness center director.
In a statement to the Greenwich Post, Philipp shared his enthusiasm about his new position, saying, “I’ve been looking to take the next step in my career, and it doesn’t get much better than not having to move your family.”
The new CEO says he will make important changes while he leads the YMCA into a more specific direction. “Somebody once told me, ‘You cannot make improvements without making change,’ so change will happen,” Philipp told the Post.
Philipp hopes to make an impact on the community of Greenwich and turn the YMCA into more than a fitness center, he says, adding that one of the aspects he enjoys most about the Y is its diverse atmosphere.