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A 20-year YMCA professional, Jared Beard oversees the Gateway Region YMCA’s strategic direction in healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

He came to Gateway Region YMCA in September 2015 from the YMCA of Southwest Illinois, where as the interim President and CEO from 2013 to 2015 he worked directly with volunteers and staff on the final phase of a strategic alliance to form the Gateway Region YMCA by merging the YMCA of Southwest Illinois and the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. The combined association now serves 13 counties, provides $6.3 million in financial assistance, relies on 7,000 volunteers and serves nearly 300,000 individuals through 23 branches across diverse communities in Missouri and Illinois.

As a strategic priority, he has also aligned the organization’s strategic plan and $70M comprehensive capital campaign to meet some of the most critical needs facing the region. The capital campaign is targeted at Bridging the Opportunity Gap through 11 branch renovations, $10M in community development strategies, $15M annual donations and $10M in endowment giving.

Prior to St Louis, Beard served as the Interim President and CEO, Vice President of Operations and Branch Executive Director at the YMCA of Southwest Illinois from 2008 to 2015. Under his leadership, the YMCA experienced tremendous growth adding branches through a hospital partnership and completed the acquisition of a neighboring independent YMCA. He also earned significant financial resources and credibility for the Y in the regional health arena by placing an emphasis on innovation, chronic disease prevention programs, proven results and scalability.

As part of the National Pioneering Healthy Communities Movement (PHC), Jared was part of a grassroots coalition that collectively generated over $1.5M to the region through local partnerships and policy change. The funding has fueled regional health improvements through complete streets agreements, coordinated school health programs and an annual health policy summit.

He also served as the CEO of the Ottumwa (IA) YMCA from 2004 to 2008 and served as a Program Director from 2001 to 2003. He got his start as a lifeguard and wellness staffer with the YMCA of Greater Des Moines from 1996 to 2001.

As an advocate for lifelong learning, Jared holds a PhD in Nonprofit Management, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science/Sports Management and a Certificate in Fund Raising Mgt. He is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive through CFRE International.