Longtime Leader Bob Romero Retires from Yakima Family YMCA After Two Decades

The Yakima Family YMCA has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Bob Romero, will retire effective September 15, ending an accomplished 20-year career with the organization.

HE'S A BUSY MAN IN YAKIMA

Romero joined the Yakima Family YMCA in 2006, bringing lots of experience from previous roles at KIMA-TV, KAPP-TV, the Yakima Bears baseball team, and the Yakima Valley Sports Commission.
Over the past two decades, he has been a driving force behind the YMCA’s growth in the community.

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BIG GROWTH IN THE YAKIMA YMCA UNDER ROMERO'S LEADERSHIP

Under Romero’s leadership, the YMCA saw big changes, including the development of the Yakima Rotary Aquatic Center.
Romero played a vital role in securing grants, private donations, and strong local partnerships that made the facility a reality. The center opened to members and the public in November 2019.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Just months after the aquatic center’s opening, Romero was committed to guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the YMCA continued to serve youth, families, and the community in general during a time of many challenges. Beyond his impact in Yakima, Romero’s influence extended nationally through his work with the YMCA. He was instrumental in creating and launching a network of Small and Mid-Sized YMCAs across the country.

MAKING AN IMPACT ACROSS THE NATION

Romero also served three years as Chair of both the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs and the Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, advocating for increased visibility and support for non-metropolitan YMCA branches regionally and nationally.
The Yakima Family YMCA community expresses gratitude for Romero’s dedication and leadership over the past two decades. The Board of Directors has begun the search for a new CEO committed to building on Romero’s legacy.