Making Women’s History through Historic CEO Appointment

Women’s history month is about how far we have come in terms of gender equity, but also how far we have left to go. At the YMCA of Greater Seattle, we are excited to continue to work to close the gender equity gap the best way we know how, by celebrating our organization’s new President and CEO, Loria Yeadon. In addition to her extensive higher education and professional resume, Loria will also become the first woman and the first person of color to lead the Y of Greater Seattle in our 143-year history.

And Loria will be the third woman and the only woman of color to lead one of the largest 20 YMCAs in the United States.

“The search committee worked hard to find someone who could build on the incredible foundation laid over the last 12 years and take the organization to the next level in operations and community impact,” said Tom Hull, past Board Chair and CEO Search Committee Co-Chair. “We are confident Loria will bring exactly what the community and the organization need. We are inspired by her vision and excited about what our Y will become with the benefit of her leadership.”

Loria Yeadon brings to the Y the unique experience of a successful business executive who has invested deeply in non-profit leadership on issues core to the Y’s mission, serving youth and families. Yeadon previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of Stolen Youth, an organization dedicated to ending sex trafficking in the State of Washington. She currently serves on the National Board for Girl Scouts of America and on the Board of Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund. In her business career, Yeadon served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Transportation Business at Intellectual Ventures and before that served as CEO of Honeywell Intellectual Properties, Inc. Trained as both an engineer and an attorney, Yeadon received a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering, with distinction, from the University of Virginia, a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from Seton Hall School of Law.

Loria Yeadon said, “I am humbled and thankful for this privilege. I’m anxious to lock arms with the team to drive sustainable systems change with a renewed focus on serving all people in our region on their journey to reaching their full potential. Together, we will visualize the future we’d like to see in the Seattle area, build on the Y’s foundational systems and incredible people, and do the work to realize that vision. As one Y, I believe we can create the future we want.”

The Y of Greater Seattle is thrilled to continue to grow our work and our impact in our region under the leadership of Loria Yeadon.