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Laurie Goganzer is a purpose-driven leader with nearly 30 years of experience in the global YMCA movement, bringing life-changing programs to people in New Jersey, New York, and California. She is President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, one of largest YMCAs in New Jersey, strengthening more than 35,000 people in three counties, and is highly regarded for its extensive counseling and social services. She leads a team of nearly 1,200 employees and oversees an operating budget of $25 million. Laurie works closely with a 40-member Board of Directors and 10-member Foundation Board of Trustees to build and sustain a strong Y.

Laurie directed the 2019 merger of The Community YMCA and YMCA of Western Monmouth County to create the new countywide Y, honored for its expanded commitment to the community by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Visiting Nurse Association, and HABcore. Her role in the merger was recognized by the Red Bank business community, which presented her the Women of Influence Award in 2019.

With a passion to make a difference, Laurie serves on the Board of Trustees for the Center for Non-Profits, the Grunin Foundation, NJ YMCA State Alliance, and YMCA Young Professionals Network; Advisory Boards for Brookdale Community College and the Visiting Nurse Association; and was appointed to the Monmouth County Economic Recovery Council.

Laurie began her Y career in 1992 as a Program Director for the Tarrytown YMCA in Tarrytown, New York and went on to become Associate Executive Director for the Rye YMCA, also in New York. In 2003, Laurie relocated to California where she spent 15 years leading branch operations for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and YMCA of San Diego County. In Los Angeles, she was Senior Vice President overseeing operations of three branches, including the Anderson Munger Family YMCA, opened in 2014 following a $23 million capital campaign under her leadership. She also served as Group Vice President, Executive Director and Operations Executive for the Los Angeles Association. In San Diego, she served as Regional Vice President for the South Region and led four branches with an operating budget of nearly $20 million.

Laurie earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from The King’s College in New York. She is a proud alumnus of LeadNJ, and a sought-after inspirational speaker and presenter on nonprofit leadership.

Born and raised at the Jersey Shore, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her dogs, cycling, paddle boarding, surfing, camping, and giving back to her community.