Honoring Paul Gorman’s Transformative Leadership at the South Shore YMCA

To Our Friends and Supporters of the South Shore YMCA,

On behalf of the Executive Board, I am honored to announce that after 30 years of distinguished service within the YMCA movement, and 16 transformative years as CEO of the South Shore YMCA, Paul Gorman will retire in January 2026.

Paul informed our Board of his decision over a year ago, giving us the time and space to prepare for a smooth and deliberate transition. A true visionary, Paul approached his retirement not as an ending, but as an opportunity to ensure the continued strength and success of the South Shore YMCA, which today stands stronger than ever, financially, operationally, and in its mission to serve.

To ensure continued momentum, Paul led the creation of five strategic committees focused on aligning the Y around a bold, unified vision for the future. Over the first seven months of 2025, these teams developed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan supported by ten years of projected thinking. Their work included financial modeling, capital project prioritization, donor engagement, camp expansion planning, and a strategic framework built on five pillars: youth and family programming, medical wellness partnerships, member experience, employee development, and facility optimization—all informed by regional community needs assessments.

This collaborative planning effort positions our incoming CEO, Board, and staff to move forward with clarity, confidence, and shared purpose, ensuring continuity and strength during this transition.

A Legacy of Vision, Impact, and Excellence

Paul Gorman is a visionary leader whose career has been defined by bold ideas, tireless innovation, and a deep commitment to building a better future for the YMCA and the communities it serves. He consistently thought big and delivered even bigger—developing world-class facilities and programs that have transformed lives.

Before joining the South Shore YMCA, Paul served as District Vice President and Executive Director at the YMCA of Greater Boston, overseeing three branches and leading a capital campaign that built the Burbank YMCA in Reading. He secured a $1.5 million individual donation, which at the time stood as the largest gift in the organization’s history. At the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA in Marblehead, he spearheaded the development of a $18 million facility and a 19.5-acre land acquisition, raised $15 million, nearly double the campaign goal, and forged strategic partnerships with the Boston Ballet and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, tripling branch revenue.

At the South Shore YMCA, Paul’s impact has been extraordinary. Under his leadership, our Y has grown into a nationally recognized association with two of the largest and most successful Y branches in the country. Membership grew by 30%, program participation surged, and revenue more than doubled, quadrupling the Y’s bottom line for long-term sustainability.

Over 16 years, Paul led more than $70 million in capital projects, including the $30 million redevelopment of the Quincy Y into the Hale Family YMCA, a 120,000-square-foot flagship branch now undergoing a 20,000-square-foot expansion. He transformed Emilson YMCA from a 10-acre site into a 30-acre campus, developing the Laura’s Center for the Arts, a new Outdoor Aquatics Center, and the Family Farm—redeveloping five acres and securing ten more through generous donations. He also oversaw the construction of a wastewater treatment plant to support the growing campus.

Paul’s leadership extends across camps, early education programs, and nature-based learning, advancing the South Shore YMCA’s reach and impact. At Camp Burgess & Hayward, he led the construction of major projects such as Pam’s Place, a new girls’ dining hall, health center, Makers Barn, and new cabins. He expanded Camp Gordon Clark with new pavilions and outdoor spaces. As part of the Y’s broader expansion, Paul oversaw the development of two Early Learning Centers, including the newest in Hanover, and a state-of-the-art Gymnastics Center, with a second facility set to open in 2026 as part of the Hale Family YMCA expansion. Under his leadership, childcare capacity grew eight-fold, from just three small classrooms in Quincy to serving hundreds of children across the South Shore today.

Paul also championed nature-based education, leading the transformation of the South Shore YMCA Nature Center in Norwell, revitalizing the historic building, creating the all-new Jose Carreiro Children’s Gardens, and constructing a state-of-the-art Nature Center Preschool, deepening the Y’s commitment to outdoor learning and environmental stewardship.

Throughout his career, Paul has demonstrated exceptional fundraising leadership, securing approximately $45 million in Capital Campaign funds and nearly $30 million in Annual Campaign contributions. At the South Shore YMCA, his impact has been especially profound, raising $25 million in Capital funds and driving Annual Campaign growth from $1.3 million to $6 million.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul’s strong leadership was critical. He and his team swiftly transitioned the South Shore YMCA from a membership-based organization to a vital community support center. They partnered with Father Bill’s & Mainspring and the City of Quincy to convert the Hale Family Y field house into a temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. At the Germantown Neighborhood Center, he and his team stepped up to fight food insecurity, quadrupling food pantry services and delivering meals to isolated seniors. They also launched emergency childcare for essential workers and first responders and developed safety protocols that became models for local schools and camps. Under Paul’s steady guidance, the South Shore YMCA not only recovered but exceeded pre-pandemic membership and program levels, emerging stronger than ever.

More Than a CEO

Paul’s passion, shaped by the discipline and perseverance of a world-class elite runner, has defined his leadership style as he pursues excellence with energy, research, and determination.

As a connector, mentor, and visionary, Paul has built strong teams and inspired staff, volunteers, and donors alike. He has cultivated lasting partnerships with influential leaders such as Peter Lynch, Rob Hale, Herb Emilson, and Eyk van Otterloo—each drawn to his unwavering commitment to building a stronger Y and a better community.

Paul’s leadership extends far beyond bricks and mortar. His ability to identify emerging needs, study best practices, and implement innovative programs ensured that every initiative under his watch remained relevant, sustainable, and impactful. His legacy is not only in the buildings he helped raise, but in the culture of excellence and compassion he instilled throughout the organization.

A Future Built on Strength

Thanks to Paul’s vision and dedication, the South Shore YMCA is exceptionally well-positioned for the future. The strategic planning and transition efforts he has initiated have laid a solid foundation for continued innovation and service. Our newly developed three-year strategic plan builds upon all that Paul has created, ensuring a seamless transition and a vibrant future for our Y and its leadership.

To help commemorate his remarkable journey, we welcome you to click here to share your memories and photos. Your stories will help us celebrate the lasting difference Paul has made in our community.

As we prepare to celebrate Paul’s extraordinary career, we invite you to join us in honoring his legacy of service. His impact will be felt for generations, and his vision will continue to guide us as we move forward into a strong future.

With gratitude and admiration,

Mike Mullin
Chair, Executive Board
South Shore YMCA