On October 14, the South Shore YMCA hosted its annual Staff Strategy Summit meeting, bringing together directors and leaders from across the organization to reflect on a year of remarkable growth and to chart a bold course for the future.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome from President Trevor Williams, who energized the room with a message of gratitude and excitement. Executive Board Chair Mike Mullin followed with a powerful overview of the Board’s strategic direction, emphasizing the importance of volunteer leadership and honoring CEO Paul Gorman for his mentorship and visionary guidance as he prepares for retirement in January 2026.
“I started as a member in Quincy with my family, and getting involved with the Y was a way to connect with my community,” said Mullin. “This past year, I’ve seen our volunteers truly step up, driving change and helping shape a strong future for the Y.”
Mullin highlighted the Board’s renewed focus on committee engagement, infrastructure planning, and strategic alignment with the Y’s mission. He closed with heartfelt thanks to Paul Gorman for his years of service and leadership.
“I just wanted to acknowledge Paul Gorman—I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside him for the past 15 years. Paul has been a mentor and a friend, and he’s accomplished so much. From expanding our camps to transforming our facilities and growing our reach in the community, Paul has truly left his mark. Paul, thank you for your remarkable leadership, and congratulations on your well-deserved retirement.”
Trevor Williams shared key milestones from 2025, including record-breaking membership growth, expanded programming, and transformative capital projects like the new Nature Center Preschool and the upcoming Hale Family YMCA expansion. Looking ahead to 2026, Trevor emphasized goals around member and staff retention, enhanced communication, and deeper community engagement.
He introduced the five pillars of the South Shore YMCA’s 2026 strategic vision, developed through Paul Gorman’s vision and the collaborative efforts of the Executive Board and community leaders:
- Expand Youth, Teen & Family Programming
- Increase Impact & Visibility of Medical Wellness Programs
- Elevate Member Experience & Community Connection
- Workforce Development & Staff Retention
- Optimize Facilities & Infrastructure
“A strategic plan is a guiding vision for an organization,” Trevor explained. “It gives us a clear focus and aligns the Board and staff around shared goals. It’s a living document that helps us move forward together.”
Celebrating 30 Years of Service
Vice President of Human Resources Alexandra Mason shared exciting updates on expanded benefits and professional development opportunities, reinforcing the Y’s commitment to investing in its people. She then presented Employee Awards and Years of Service recognitions, including a celebration of Vice President of Camping Services Bruce Netherwood’s incredible 30 years of leadership.
2025 Staff Achievement Awards:
- Marion MacDougall Member Service Award: Sandy Bouchard, for consistently delivering outstanding service and embodying the spirit of selfless support.
- Outstanding Instructor Award: Kenny Nguyen, for impactful leadership and program excellence in Hale Family YMCA Youth Basketball.
- Stacey Hughes Award: Sue Belanger, for her resilience, encouragement, and compassion within the Staystrong cancer survivor support program.
- Paul Gorman Innovation Award: Kate Smith, for driving meaningful improvements through creativity and leadership at the South Shore YMCA Family Farm in Hanover. Paul Gorman personally presented this inaugural award to Kate in recognition of her visionary work.
Chief Development Officer Mary Orne celebrated a record-breaking year in fundraising, with over $3.9 million raised through events like The Taste of the South Shore and the Staystrong Campaign. She reminded staff that every team member plays a vital role in the Y’s development success.
Honoring a Visionary CEO
In a special moment, Mary introduced the Paul Gorman Visionary Fund, a honorary fund that will support the Y’s strategic initiatives and honor Paul’s legacy of leadership and innovation.
“We are honoring Paul Gorman, our CEO of the last 16 years, and the impact he’s had on our lives,” said Mary. “In summarizing Paul’s career, the words that instantly come to mind are visionary, thoughtful, and inspirational.”
To close the summit, Paul Gorman delivered heartfelt remarks on leadership succession and the Y’s future. He spoke about the power of vision and collaboration, encouraging staff to embrace innovation and work together to bring bold ideas to life.
“When I look at innovation or vision, I work backwards,” Paul shared. “If you see the vision first, it’s exciting. You get people excited about it, and then you work hard every day to make it happen. Leadership is about painting a picture that others can see—and bringing people along with you.”
“Whatever you do, be the CEO of your position—whatever it is. Take charge, have a vision, then bring others to it to be more successful together.”
As the South Shore YMCA prepares for a new chapter, the 2025 Staff Summit served as a powerful reminder of the impact each team member makes—and the bright future ahead.
