YMCA Announces Leadership Changes

After years of continued growth, the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina announces changes within its leadership team, including the appointment of Sarah Gibbs to vice president of development and Shannon Berg to director of development. These changes come as the YMCA adds new roles to its development department to increase its capacity to serve more people throughout Southeastern North Carolina.

“It is critical that we increase our capacity to raise charitable funds so we can continue to engage more individuals and families in need of Y programs and services, which is why the Board has prioritized expanding our development team,” says Dick Jones, President and CEO of the YMCA of Southeastern NC."

Sarah Gibbs was promoted to vice president of development after 10 years of service to the organization. Gibbs was first hired by the YMCA in 2013 and has served in various roles including marketing, communications, public relations and development. She most recently served as director of financial development (2018 – 2023) attributing to 150% growth in the organization’s annual contributions. As vice president of development, Gibbs will oversee the organization’s development efforts including annual, capital and planned giving, as well as sponsorships and grants. Gibbs serves as a member of the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina’s senior leadership team and is responsible for generating $1 million in charitable support for the organization annually.

Gibbs came to Wilmington back in 2010 as a student at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She graduated in 2014, from the Cameron School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and minor in psychology while working part-time for the YMCA.

“The YMCA has been such an incredible organization to work for, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to grow alongside of it. It has been such a rewarding experience to share the Y’s story and advocate for those in need of our programs and services because I’ve seen firsthand the difference that we’re making for so many individuals and families in our community,” says Gibbs.

Additionally, Shannon Berg has been named director of development following Berg’s 5-year stint (2018 – 2023) as executive director for the Nir Family YMCA. Berg's employment with the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina spans over 20 years, and she has served in various leadership positions overseeing operations and programs. Berg has played a key role in leading the organization through tremendous expansion, including rebuilding the Nir Family YMCA, formerly known as the Wilmington Family YMCA, on Market Street after a fire in 2015. Berg most recently led a $1.2M capital campaign to renovate the Nir Family YMCA’s pool and add a new hot tub facility to its aquatics center.

As director of development, Berg will be responsible for increasing the organization’s annual charitable support to provide scholarships and subsidized services to families and individuals in need of financial assistance.

“I am excited to work with our development team to share the meaningful impact a donation can have on someone else's life. This new role is about developing real relationships and connecting others with the YMCA. I want to thank those who have supported the Y over the years and look forward to advancing our mission,” says Berg.

The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Locally, the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is comprised of 3 membership facilities, 1 residential camp and 1 activity center and operates in dozens of program sites throughout New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Sampson counties.

For more information on the YMCA’s mission and philanthropic work in the community, visit www.ymcasenc.org/give-back