Ep. 79 Lauren Koontz on the Next Chapter of the Y

When we launched Y Connect in November 2022, one of our very first guests was our President and CEO, Lauren Koontz. At the time, we were just beginning this storytelling journey, and the Y was navigating a world still finding its footing after the pandemic. Fast forward to today. Lauren has now served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for more than six years, leading the organization through moments of challenge, growth, and transformation. This month, the Y officially launches its new three-year strategic plan, a plan shaped by deep listening, data, and a clear belief in the Y's role as a catalyst for community wellbeing and belonging. We're thrilled to welcome Lauren back to Y Connect to reflect on her leadership journey, share her theme for the year ahead, and walk us through the vision, priorities, and heart behind the Y's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How empathetic leadership reshaped the YMCA of Metro Atlanta after the pandemic ✅ Why belonging and connection are central to the Y's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan ✅ How the YMCA supports economic mobility and social capital across communities ✅ What it means for the Y to act as a catalyst for personal and community wellbeing Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Y Connect: Welcoming CEO Lauren Koontz Back 04:10 Six Years of Leadership Through Crisis, Growth, and Change 07:36 Why YMCA Team Members Are the Y's Primary Stakeholders 09:44 Leadership, Humility, and Making Space for Every Voice 13:40 Word of the Year How "Catalyst" Defines the Y's Next Chapter 16:24 What Deep Listening Revealed About Community Needs 22:38 How the YMCA Breaks Down Socioeconomic Barriers 25:57 Why Belonging Must Be Intentionally Designed 28:00 Strategic Pillars Explained People, Programs, and Places 30:32 Expanding Impact Through Community Partnerships 34:23 Loneliness, Mental Health, and the Youth Suicide Crisis 40:21 National YMCA Leadership and Collaboration 42:41 What Success Looks Like for the YMCA by 2028 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎The YMCA's greatest impact starts with investing in its people—staff, members, and communities 💎True belonging doesn't happen by accident; it requires intentional design and leadership 💎Cross-socioeconomic relationships are a powerful driver of economic mobility 💎The Y's future lies in being more than a place — it's a connector, convener, and catalyst ABOUT THE GUEST: Lauren Koontz serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, where she leads the organization's mission to ensure all people—especially children—have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential. With a career rooted in educational and health-focused nonprofit development, Lauren is deeply committed to positioning the Y as a thought leader and best-in-class provider of education, wellness, and youth development programs that strengthen communities across Metro Atlanta. Notably, she is the first woman to serve as President and CEO in the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's more than 160-year history. In her role, Lauren oversees the overall success of a complex, multi-site organization that includes 20 membership and program branches, 18 early learning centers, more than 40 partnership sites, two summer resident camps, and the YMCA Leadership & Learning Center, along with the staff and volunteers who bring these programs to life. She joined the YMCA of Metro Atlanta in 2012 as Chief Development Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2016, and later assumed the role of President and CEO. Prior to the Y, Lauren held leadership positions at Coxe Curry & Associates, Emory University School of Medicine, Mount Vernon School, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she was appointed to the organization's National Strategic Steering Committee at a young age. An active civic leader, Lauren serves on multiple boards and advisory councils and is widely recognized for her leadership, including honors from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Atlanta Magazine. She frequently speaks on nonprofit leadership, strategy, and community impact. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta