Celebrating the South Shore YMCA Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2026

The South Shore YMCA proudly celebrated the graduation of the Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2026, marking the completion of the program’s second cohort. Held at Laura’s Center for the Arts, the event recognized an inspiring group of leaders who have spent the past nine months growing both personally and professionally while strengthening connections across the association.

The Emerging Leaders Program was launched by South Shore YMCA President & CEO, Trevor Williams, as a strategic initiative to bring together rising talent from across the South Shore YMCA and invest in professional growth. As Williams shared during the ceremony, the program was born directly from staff feedback, noting that “one of the number one themes we heard was staff development… career development, professional development.”

This year’s graduating class represented a diverse cross-section of the Y, with participants whose tenures ranged from just two years to more than 25. The Class of 2026 included:

• Adrienne Ciulla, Membership Operations Manager, Emilson YMCA
• Anand Merchant, HR Associate
• Caroline Pelton, Senior Lead Infant Teacher, State Street Early Learning Center
• Jennifer Christenson, Development Director
• Joanne Reed, Senior Lead Teacher, South Shore YMCA Early Learning Center, Hanover
• Kara Protulis, Association Gymnastics Director
• Kathy Crompton, Director of Child Care Business Operations
• Katie Tindall, Association Medical Wellness Director
• Kevin Skirvin, Director, Camp Burgess
• Peter Helms, Development Director
• Ryan Donohue, Director of Sports & Recreation, Hale Family YMCA
• Samantha Blumberg-McSweeney, Director, Emilson Before & After-School Programs
• Sarah Kugel, Director, South Shore YMCA Nature Center

Throughout the nine-month program, participants gathered monthly to learn from senior YMCA leadership on key topics including finance, development, conflict resolution, communication, professionalism, and brand and public image. They also engaged in guided discussions of the book First, Break All the Rules, gaining a deeper understanding of leadership styles, talent development, and team dynamics.

Williams emphasized that the goal of the program is not simply advancement, but growth in place and confidence in leadership. “This program doesn’t intend to move everybody somewhere else,” he shared. “It actually is trying to make you just a better professional wherever you are.”

Each participant was paired with a mentor, creating meaningful opportunities for reflection, connection, and guidance throughout the program. Intentional cohort design also brought together staff from across departments, allowing participants to better understand the broader organization and learn from one another’s experiences.

“You got a chance to meet people from all over the association, we do that on purpose,” Williams said. “There’s massive growth in learning what challenges others are working through.”

Williams also underscored the defining characteristics of the cohort — collaborative, influential, high-achieving, and reliable — describing the graduates as “great investments for the South Shore YMCA” and “the cream of the crop.”

During the ceremony, Adrienne Ciulla, Jennifer Christenson and Kevin Skirvin spoke on behalf of the graduates, expressing gratitude for the relationships built and the lessons learned throughout the program. Christenson highlighted the impact of working at the Y, describing it as a place “where staff have the opportunity to be heroes in the lives of the people we serve every day.”

Vice President of Human Resources Alexandra Mason reinforced the importance of continued growth within the organization, sharing that the YMCA is a uniquely supportive environment where employees can build meaningful, purpose-driven careers.

Adding to the celebration, members of the Class of 2027, the program’s next cohort, were in attendance, supporting their “upperclassmen” while gaining insight into the journey ahead. Adrienne Ciulla shared advice for the next cohort, “This experience will carry with you not just as a line on your resume, but a daily commitment to how we show up at work, in our communities, and in our lives.”

The evening served as both a celebration and a reflection of the South Shore YMCA’s commitment to its people. As Williams shared, the ultimate goal is simple yet powerful: “I hope you like the job better… because you’re better equipped for it.”

The graduation of the Class of 2026 stands as a testament to the power of investing in people, empowering staff to grow, lead with confidence, and continue making a lasting impact across the communities they serve.