The Merrimack Valley YMCA is proud to announce that Ryan McVann is the new Associate Executive Director of the Methuen YMCA. McVann most recently served as Sports and Teen Director at the Methuen Y and Assistant Director of Camp Otter in Salem, N.H., and has served in several roles at the Merrimack Valley YMCA since 2012. He is replacing former Executive Director Anne Whalen, who will now serve as Executive Director of Camping Services for the Merrimack Valley YMCA.

McVann holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Sports Medicine and a Master’s of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from Merrimack College.

During his time at Merrimack College, Ryan worked closely with the YMCA to research, develop, and implement the Active Science program, which incorporates physical activity into an interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lesson where children use their own physical activity data to complete the lesson.

Ryan was also one of the first to work on our Outdoor Education program, which provides children from the Lawrence Public Schools the opportunity to experience summer camp while still learning about science concepts at Camp Otter in Salem, NH. He also worked in school enrichment program at the Lawrence YMCA for three years.

During his time as the Sports and Teen director at the Methuen branch, Ryan was actively involved in coaching basketball, baseball, soccer, and archery. He says he really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know individuals and families in the community.

“My favorite part of this job is the connection I am able to make with all of the families,” he said. “Everyone is different, all with their own stories, which make them unique.”

Merrimack Valley YMCA Chief Operating Officer Frank Kenneally says Ryan has established himself as a strong leader in the organization very quickly.

“In addition to his demonstrated success and education, Ryan has all of the intangibles that we are looking for in our executive team,” said Kenneally.

As Ryan moves into his new position as the Associate Executive Director, he will be looking to expand the existing programs that the Methuen YMCA currently runs, but also develop new programs to serve the unique needs of the Methuen community.