Greater Green Bay YMCA Names Jamie Hanner as New CEO

April 28, 2025

The Greater Green Bay YMCA has named Jamie Hanner as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2025. After a nationwide search that drew a strong pool of highly qualified candidates from across the country, Hanner emerged as the clear and well-deserved choice.

“Over the past few months, our Board of Directors, in partnership with the national YMCA team and local Search Committee led by Greater Green Bay YMCA Board Member, Jenny Lowe, reviewed qualified candidates from all over the country,” said Matt Balzola, Chair of the Greater Green Bay YMCA Board of Directors. “The national interest in this role was a true testament to the strength of the Greater Green Bay YMCA and the vibrancy of the Green Bay community. We were inspired by the outstanding talent and experience represented by the candidates, but Jamie Hanner shined above them all. Her deep roots, proven leadership, and unwavering passion for our mission made her the standout candidate.”

Hanner has dedicated over 20 years to the Greater Green Bay YMCA, playing an instrumental role in growing the organization to over 47,000 members and helping establish it as one of the largest YMCAs in Wisconsin. Her leadership has been a driving force behind the Y’s expansion, membership growth, community impact, and operational strength.

“Jamie’s passion for the Y’s staff, members, families, and programs is unparalleled,” continued Matt Balzola. “She is one of the key reasons the Greater Green Bay YMCA is where it is today – thriving, growing, and making a difference. We could not be more excited for the future under her leadership.”

Since joining the Greater Green Bay YMCA in 2001, Jamie Hanner’s impressive tenure includes numerous leadership roles such as Membership Director, Executive Director, VP of Membership, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently, Interim CEO. Her professional accomplishments include launching the statewide corporate membership program, opening two express branches, revitalizing the West Side branch, and successfully guiding operations during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Interim CEO, Hanner skillfully led the organization through leadership transitions while strengthening key community partnerships.

“I am beyond thrilled and honored to be named CEO of the Greater Green Bay YMCA” said Jamie Hanner. “The Y has been a cornerstone of my life and I am passionate about building on our legacy of strengthening our community and expanding our reach to impact even more lives.”

As CEO, Hanner will lead the Y’s next chapter of growth and innovation, focusing on the expansion of our current West Side YMCA, expanding family programming, continuing to increase memberships, and deepening community impact.

The Greater Green Bay YMCA looks forward to a bright future with Jamie Hanner leading the way, continuing its mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.