Kathryn Custer

Experience

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  YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

  Oct 2003 - Oct 2005

  • MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING ASSISTANT

    Apr 2005 - Oct 2005

  • MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATE

    Oct 2003 - Oct 2005
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  G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA

  Oct 2005 - Jul 2006

  MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATE
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  YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

  Jul 2006 - Aug 2009

  MEMBERSHIP | MARKETING DIRECTOR
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  Village of Allapattah Family Branch YMCA

  Aug 2009 - Jul 2013

  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Spearheaded the establishment of a cutting-edge 27,000 sq. ft facility through a unique partnership with an affordable housing developer. This multifaceted role involved recruiting and training an entire staff, developing policies and procedures, coordinating opening events, and meticulously organizing the facility layout.• Innovatively designed and implemented successful programming and health initiatives tailored to serve an underserved and diverse community.• Orchestrated the successful acquisition and management of grants from esteemed local and national organizations, such as Children’s Trust, Peacock Foundation, the Miami Foundation, and Enhance Fitness.• Executed oversight of daily operations, demonstrating fiscal responsibility for a $500k budget.• Pioneered the establishment of a Board of Managers from the ground up, defining a chart of work and committee structure to ensure effective governance.• Instituted a volunteer structure for the Annual Campaign, leveraging best practices, resulting in a remarkable 100% increase in giving.• Surpassed budget targets, outpacing pro-forma projections, and propelled the membership base from inception to over 700 units.• Established impactful community partnerships with local organizations, including Comcast, Miami Bridge, Junior League of Miami, Larkin Hospital, and Baptist Hospital.• Garnered recognition as the “Best Gym” in Miami New Times in 2011, a testament to the commitment to excellence and community impact. Show less

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  YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne

  Aug 2013 - Jul 2017

  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Oversaw a 78,000 sq. ft. facility serving 18,000 members while managing eight full-time staff and 250-300 part-time staff as part of a multi-branch association; prepared and executed a $4 million budget.• Achieved a notable 40% increase in the Annual Campaign total over four years, demonstrating a proven ability to drive successful fundraising initiatives.• Doubled staff giving through targeted engagement and communication efforts.• Secured two new Mission Partners, fostering valuable collaborations that significantly enhanced the organization’s mission impact.• Conceptualized, planned, and executed the Annual Spirit, Mind, Body Triathlon, engaging 100 participants over three consecutive years while surpassing targets and contributing to organizational growth. Show less

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  Ozarks Regional YMCA

  Jul 2017 - Jan 2024

  • Spearheaded the development and execution of a visionary strategy, driving operational excellence for a dynamic $10 million multi-site organization.• Collaborated seamlessly with the board of directors and executive leadership team, fostering robust community relationships and leading strategic collaborations.• Demonstrated a keen ability to set and achieve organizational objectives through the successful execution of a comprehensive strategic plan.• Managed budgetary responsibilities precisely, securing grants and providing impactful leadership development and coaching for chief officers and VPs.• Led a strategic restructuring of the leadership team, guiding the organization adeptly through the challenges of the pandemic.• Successfully obtained PPP and ERC funding, implementing a robust post-pandemic rebuilding strategy.• Optimized the property portfolio by divesting two properties operating at a financial loss and strategically acquiring new property for future operations and business headquarters.• Collaborated effectively with local community leaders, ensuring a seamless transition during property transactions and showcasing exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills.• Played a pivotal role in project management for closing and relocating operations, minimizing disruption, and ensuring seamless transitions.• Achieved remarkable financial milestones, including building a $2 million cash reserve and investment portfolio, showcasing strategic financial acumen and foresight. Show less

  • CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

    Oct 2018 - Jan 2024

  • CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)

    Jul 2017 - Oct 2018
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  YMCA of Southwest Florida

  Jul 2024 - now

  Executive Director