March 4, 2026 10:29AM
The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina shares an important leadership update with both gratitude and pride. President and CEO Darryl Head has been called to serve as the next President and CEO of the YMCA of the First Coast in Jacksonville, Florida.
For Darryl, this next chapter is part of a lifelong Y journey that began long before his professional career. Growing up in YMCA programs like Adventure Guides and youth sports, he experienced firsthand the impact of the Y at an early age. His formal YMCA career began in high school as a lifeguard and sports official, and he continued working summer seasons at Camp Sea Gull before stepping into full-time professional service.
Before arriving in Winston-Salem, Darryl served with the YMCA of the Triangle in Raleigh and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee in Nashville, steadily growing in leadership and responsibility.
Darryl joined the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina in 2006 as Vice President of Operations of the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA. In 2015, he was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he twice stepped in to serve as Interim President and CEO before being called to lead the association full-time — a testament to the trust and confidence placed in his leadership.
Over his 38 years of YMCA service — including the past 20 years in Northwest North Carolina — Darryl has embodied what it means to grow up in the Y and lead with mission at heart. From pool deck to boardroom, his leadership has been shaped by a deep belief in the potential of all people and the power of community.
“Serving the YMCA has never just been a job for me — it has been a calling that began when I was a kid in Y programs and continued when I first climbed into the lifeguard chair,” Darryl shared. “For 38 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching this mission change lives, including my own. What makes the Y special isn’t the buildings or the programs, but the people who show up every day to strengthen our communities in spirit, mind, and body.
I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together over the past 20 years — especially during the last 4 years leading this amazing organization. Because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters, this association is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to grow up in the Y and to serve alongside so many faithful teammates, volunteers, and families who make this work so meaningful.”
Under Darryl’s steady and visionary leadership, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has strengthened its foundation and expanded its reach in meaningful ways. The association now employs more than 1,400 team members across 13 branches in an eight-county region, serving more than 90,000 members. During his tenure, the Y opened the transformative YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake, completed major renovations at four branches, expanded into new communities, and achieved record-setting financial and fundraising milestones.
Darryl also helped forge a significant partnership with Novant Health, now the exclusive health and wellness partner of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina — a collaboration that strengthens the Y’s ability to serve the whole person in spirit, mind, and body.
Beyond facilities and financial strength, Darryl’s greatest legacy is the culture he has nurtured — one grounded in service, collaboration, faith, and an unwavering commitment to community. His leadership has positioned the Y to remain strong, mission-focused, and prepared for the future.
In October 2025, Darryl was inducted into Y-USA’s Book of Honor in recognition of his extraordinary generosity and lifelong commitment to the YMCA mission. This distinction, reserved for individuals who have contributed $100,000 or more in lifetime giving, reflected not only his leadership in strengthening communities but also his personal investment in ensuring the Y’s work endures for generations to come. His philanthropy mirrored the values he championed throughout his career — service, stewardship, and an unwavering belief in the potential of all people.
Upon Darryl’s departure in May, current CFO/COO Donna Rodgers will serve as Interim CEO at the request of the Executive Committee of the YMCA Board of Directors. Darryl and Donna will work closely over the coming months to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition of relationships and operations. The Board has full confidence in Donna’s leadership as the association begins a nationwide search for its next President and CEO.
A search committee of board members will be named in the coming week. The YMCA remains committed to clear and consistent communication with staff, members, partners, and the broader community throughout this process.
The Board of Directors expresses deep gratitude for Darryl’s decades of faithful service and for the continued support of the community. The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina stands strong — grounded in mission, guided by purpose, and committed to helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.
For further inquiries please reach out to Shon Gilmore (s.gilmore@mycanwnc.org) or Lucy Berres (l.berres@ymcanwnc.org) with any questions.