The YMCA of Greater Boston announced James Morton as its new president and CEO. Morton will serve as the thirteenth president of the nearly 165-year old cause-driven organization. The YMCA of Greater Boston is the largest social services provider in Massachusetts, offering programs and services that nurture the potential of every child and teen, promotes health and well-being, and encourages social responsibility. He will begin his role on April 6, 2015.
Morton joins the YMCA of Greater Boston after serving YMCAs in Hartford, Connecticut and in Springfield, Massachusetts Prior to joining the YMCA of Greater Boston, Morton served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford where the Y experienced double digit growth in contributions, developed innovative programming, improved the membership engagement experience, and built many collaborative relationships. He also led a successful $15 million capital campaign and launched a new strategic plan to guide the work of the organization.
Morton also has a deep personal and professional connection to work force development and education, having served as a leader to two work force development agencies, and was an educator in the Springfield (MA) Public Schools.
“On behalf of the entire General Board of Y Directors, we are extremely pleased and excited to have the opportunity to further the mission and impact of the Greater Boston Y by introducing the caliber of leadership and experience the James brings to the organization,” said Jeff Conway, Chairman of the YMCA of Greater Boston board. “We expect James to have a positive and immediate impact in increasing the visibility of the Y and the work we do in strengthening our communities.”
Morton earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in sociology from the University of Wisconsin and his Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law. He is a current member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, serves on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and is a trustee of Springfield College. In addition, he has served on numerous YMCA of the USA committees and task forces around brand management, executive leadership and multiculturalism.
