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Who We Are

This is Why We Exist

We are a charity dedicated to nurturing the inherent potential in individuals just like you.
Because at the YMCA, we believe that when we create the conditions for individuals to thrive, it results in stronger, connected communities for all.

For 170 years, we’ve cared for kids, shaped leaders for tomorrow, helped generations of people come together for support, and provide experiences that last a lifetime. 

As a charitable, non-profit organization, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, in welcoming spaces that are both nurturing and fun —  a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families thrive. 

Our charity creates opportunities for personal growth, fosters connection and supports change. Through a wide variety of programs and services, we’re building a brighter future across Nova Scotia.  

Every Day At the Y...

  • Parents can pursue their careers or education while their kids learn and grow in child care and day camps
  • Adults achieve peace of mind at different classes and reach healthy workout goals at our health and fitness centres
  • Toddlers build confidence with every stroke, learning lifesaving swimming skills in our swimming & aquatics programs
  • Youth have access to integrated services for mental health and well-being to help them become strong decision-makers for their entire lives.
  • Older adults stay active and connected to their communities
  • Job seekers find employment support as they navigate the current labour market
  • Newcomers are welcomed and supported as they settle in a new country
  • Students gain life experiences as volunteers, and as youth leaders in work and exchange programs

OUR STRATEGIC PILLARS

Igniting the

Potential in Youth

  • Ensure programs and services are inclusive, collaborative, and impactful.
  • Embed youth development best practices and measure impact to amplify youth success across all YMCA programs, services, and facilities.
  • Enhance social connectivity and provide impactful support for young people.
  • Ignite innovation and spark creativity among youth through intentional collaboration with community partners.

Strengthening Community

  • Become a leader in the continuum of community health.
  • Focus on accessibility and flexibility to transform into a person-centered organization.
  • Meet community members where they are by broadening community reach, building connections, and trust to meet the needs of people.
  • Use anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches in our policies, processes, programs, and services.
  • Enhance community members’ self-reliance and dignity through programs and services.

Nurturing Wellness

  • Create the environment for individuals to thrive,
    grow, and contribute.
  • Enable and enhance opportunities for individuals to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
  • Ensure individuals and families have access to programs and services by increasing our financial assistance capacity.
  • Be a great place to work and volunteer resulting in successful recruitment and retention.

PURPOSE

By igniting the potential in people,
the YMCA helps in strengthening
our evolving communities.

VISION

A strong and thriving community where people feel they belong, have support to grow, and are actively giving back.

VALUES

Our History

On December 6, 1853, a small group of men came together in the office of Peter Lynch. In the Forrester Building on Barrington Street with a reading room, a library, classes, and bi-weekly lectures, the organization that would become the YMCA of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth was formed.

History of YMCAs in Canada

The YMCA story began in London, England over 170 years ago with one man who had an idea about how to make his community stronger. From that idea sprang a movement that would spread across the globe, inspiring millions to grow in spirit, mind and body. 

Annual Reports

Gratitude Reports

Financial Statements

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth – Charitable Registration Number: 136560760 RR 0001

Our Commitment

As a charitable organization, the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth has an obligation to remain publicly accountable. As a values-based organization, we are committed to fostering an open, honest and inclusive environment. To deliver on our commitment, we’re providing access to information which ensures we are accountable to the communities we serve. This includes information regarding:

 

Coming Soon

Leadership Team

The YMCA leadership team supports all areas of the organization in serving our community. We provide quality programs and services that are reflective of the evolving communities we serve.

Brian Posavad

President & CEO
He/ Him
[email protected]
p. (902) 222-1177

Julie-Ann Vincent

Chief Operating Officer
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 222-7533

Maureen L. Hayward

Chief Financial Officer
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 423-4907 Ext. 225

Heather MacDonald

Chief Development Officer
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 456-0583

Sahra MacNeill

Director, People & Culture
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 225-2790

Anna Barnes

Vice President, YMCA Atlantic Regional Development Centre (RDC)
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 221-8974

Victoria Collins

General Manager, Child Engagement & Operations
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. 902-223-0015

Nicole O'Connor

Interim Director of Communications
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 399-5180

TL Johannesson

General Manager, Youth and Leadership Development
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. 902-

John Meagher

General Manager, Asset & Development
He / Him
[email protected]
p. (902) 223-3986

InHae Park

General Manager Of YMCA Immigrant Services
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. 902-457-6871

Michelle Rivoire

Vice President, Health, Fitness, and Aquatics
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. 902-717-8060

Alexandria Samson

Director, Donor Relations
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 229-4311

Rebekah Skeete

Director, Employment Services Centre
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. 902-461-2513 ext. 228

Lynda Thomas

Director, Employment Services Centre
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. 902-499-7560

Meet our Current Directors

As a leading charity, the YMCA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. This group of community volunteers provides vision, strategic leadership and stewardship for the Association. The YMCA Board of Directors meets regularly with an Annual General Meeting held every spring. We are extremely grateful to every member, past or present, of the YMCA’s Board of Directors.

Stephen MacDonald

Chair

Stephen MacDonald is the President and Chief Executive Officer of EfficiencyOne, the not-for-profit operator of Canada’s first electricity efficiency utility, Efficiency Nova Scotia.

Lora MacEachern

Vice Chair

Lora MacEachern is a Senior Government Executive and Lawyer, with extensive experience in leadership, law, human resources, public policy, advocacy

Ashley Hill

Ashley Hill is the Founder and Executive Director of the PREP Academy, a community based non-profit organization that inspires and prepares African Nova Scotian students for college, university and beyond.

Jacob Woods

Jacob Woods is a Research Associate at the Nova Scotia Community College. Jacob is skilled in energy system analysis

Kevin Stoddart

Kevin is a Managing Partner at KBRS, Atlantic Canada’s largest talent management and recruitment organization with over 75 staff and offices throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario.

Krista Jangaard

Dr. Krista Jangaard is the IWK Health Centre’s President & CEO. She first joined the IWK in 1996 in the division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and

Mary Navas

With three years of marketing agency experience at NATIONAL Public Relations working with clients across Atlantic Canada, Mary brings a fresh perspective to communication strategies,

Michelle Bussey

Michelle Bussey is the CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). Through NSAA, Michelle is working with industry, Government and communities to address the

Safia Rahemtulla

Safia is an Associate Partner in the Consulting practice of EY and holds a CPA, CA designation, a Certified Internal Auditor designation and a Certified Third Party Risk

Samantha Nixon

Samantha is a Coordinator with the Canadian Red Cross, supporting International Emergency Response through collaboration with the Government of Canada.

Sanjay Khanna

With over 25 years of experience, Sanjay has worked as part of the private and public sector focused on Information/Knowledge Management, ...

Sarah McInnes

Sarah is a Partner at McInnes Cooper, specializing in Immigration & Employment law.

Shelly Martin

Shelly Martin is a Mì’kmaq lawyer from Millbrook First Nation, is the Director of Governance for the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, a tribal Council providing programming and advisory services to eight Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq communities.

Sian Wren

Sian Wren is Vice President of Business Transformation at Emera. In this role, she led a large team of internal employees and external

Sonia Beattie

Sonia Beattie is the Vice-Provost, Planning & Analytics at Dalhousie University. With a strong passion for education, she completed degrees at both Dalhousie University and Memorial University before starting her career in postsecondary education.

YMCA Honourary Trustees​

The YMCA Honourary Trustees are former Directors who continue to support and provide strategic counsel to the YMCA.

Gregory (Greg) D. Auld,

Jennifer Berry,

Lydia Bugden,

Daniel M. Campbell &

Wesley G. Campbell,

Peter M. Conrod,

Paul J. Dyer,

Peter Doig

Peter G. Fardy,

Lou Gannon,

Mary Ellen Gurnham,

R.F. (Bob) Healy,

Fred Honsberger,

Wilfred Jackson,

John W. Lindsay Jr.

Brian Jessop

Cliff Langin,

Carole McDougall,

James MacGowan,

Stuart MacLean,

R.A. (Rod) McCulloch,

Kirk D. McIntyre,

Don C. Mills,

Robert Richardson,

L. Robert (Robbie) Shaw,

George Waye,

Sarah Young

Honourary Life Members

Audrey Manzer & Lou Gannon

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