A Celebration of Service: Honoring Paul Gorman’s Retirement

On a crisp December evening, more than 200 guests filled the ballroom at Granite Links, gathering not just to say goodbye, but to celebrate a man whose name has become synonymous with vision, growth, and community impact: Paul Gorman. After 30 years with the YMCA and 16 years as CEO of the South Shore YMCA, Paul is stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy that will ripple through generations.

The night was warm with laughter, gratitude, and stories that painted a portrait of a leader who never stopped moving forward. “Be grateful for the journey, even when it leads you to a place you didn’t expect,” Paul began in his farewell remarks, quoting Ted Lasso, a fitting mantra for a man whose own journey stretched from special education teacher to professional runner to transformative YMCA executive. “As a runner, I saw the importance of vision, perseverance, and goal setting. Those traits were so important for my Y career of building programs, membership, buildings, and impact on communities.”

That focus and drive became the hallmark of Paul’s leadership. He didn’t just build buildings, though he built plenty, from early learning centers to state-of-the-art YMCAs that are among the largest in the country. He built people. As Chief Development Officer Mary Orne told the crowd, “Paul is the kind of leader who saw the best in people long before we saw it in ourselves. He encouraged every one of us to be the CEO of our own job. And above all, know that there were no limits except the ones we placed on ourselves.” Her words drew nods from staff who had felt that trust firsthand, recalling how Paul created a fund to help employees in times of crisis, something far beyond his job description, but squarely in line with his heart.

Quincy Mayor Tom Koch spoke of Paul’s unwavering commitment to the city: “We give a YMCA to any community, it matters, it makes a difference. During COVID, when we needed help housing the homeless, Paul didn’t hesitate. He said, ‘We’ll work it out, we’ll figure it out, let’s get it moving.’ That mattered. That was a huge deal for the city of Quincy.” Koch presented Paul with commemorative gifts tied to Quincy’s 400th anniversary, adding, “Thank you for what you’ve done. Thank you for your friendship. I wish you all the best in the future.”

Tributes highlighted Paul’s extraordinary leadership from every angle. Chris Lovasco, CEO of the YMCA of the North Shore, called Paul “fearless and authentic,” noting his ability to inspire big visions and build alliances: “We’re all interim CEOs in a 175-year-old organization. We take the baton, run our lap, and hope to leave momentum for the next leader. Paul has done more than that, he has left a legacy.”

Dan DeMarco, past board chair during the building of the new Quincy Y project, praised Paul’s bold approach. “He told us, ‘We need to imagine this building from each department’s perspective, what do they need to serve our members?’ And then he said, ‘We need to make it bigger.’ That was Paul, always thinking about what the community deserves, not just what’s easy.”

State Representative Tackey Chan added his gratitude, presenting Paul with an official legislative citation for decades of service and his impact on families through programs like the Y’s Germantown Neighborhood Center food pantry.

And in a heartfelt video message, Rob Hale, CEO of Granite Telecommunications and one of the South Shore YMCA’s most generous supporters, summed up Paul’s influence. “Paul is a visionary leader. The Y has always been a wonderful institution, and Paul made it better. He doubled membership, expanded programs, and strengthened our city. Quincy is a better place because Paul made the Y a better place. Paul, you’ve made our families, our communities, and our state stronger, and we are deeply grateful.”

Mike Mullin, Chair of the South Shore YMCA Executive Board, reflected on Paul’s vision. “From the moment I met Paul, I noticed his big ideas, ideas that weren’t just about buildings, but about creating places where seniors, families, and teens could come together and feel welcome. He convinced us to follow him down every project, and they all turned out great.” Mullin then revealed the evening’s most emotional surprise. “Based on your vision, leadership, and service to the community, we want to present you with a special honor: The Paul Gorman Center for Community Impact.” The announcement of the new 20,000-square-foot expansion to the Hale Family YMCA bearing Paul’s name brought the room to its feet.

Kathie McDonough added a touch of heart and humor as she presented Paul with an executive rocking chair: “You taught staff to be the CEO of their position. Now, as you retire, we know you’ll apply that same dedication to your next chapter, Chief Executive Grandfather.” Laughter rippled through the crowd as Paul smiled, surrounded by his wife Clare, his children Connor, Tyler, and Tess, and his infant grandchildren, twins Cal and Maeve.

Paul’s own words brought the evening full circle as he turned his gratitude toward those closest to him. “My family understood the mission and always supported me,” he said. “There were many nights, weekends, meetings, and events. It meant time away—sometimes a lot of it. You allowed me to give myself to this work, even when it meant missing time with you. I will never forget that, and I am forever grateful.”

Guests wandered through a timeline of Paul’s career, snapped photos in a “Just Retired” golf cart, a nod to his legendary game, and marveled at a gingerbread replica of the Hale Family YMCA crafted by Montilio’s. Paul closed the night with humility and hope. “Tonight, I want to thank every single one of you for the impact you’ve had on me. Truly. And I hope, in some small way, I’ve been able to leave a positive mark on you.” He spoke of plans for golf, volunteering, and time with his growing family. “My schedule is officially wide open, at least until the grandkids call!”

It was a fitting end to an evening that celebrated not just a career, but a calling and a lifetime of service that turned vision into reality and left a mark on every life touched along the way.