The Merrimack Valley YMCA is pleased to announce that Trish Villanueva has been named Vice President of Operations for the Association. In this capacity, she will be responsible for community relations, membership, programs, volunteer recruitment, collaborations, budgeting and general operations of the Andover/North Andover Branch, one of the Merrimack Valley Y’s four branches. She will also lead program development strategy across the Association.
Mrs. Villanueva has committed her career to YMCA work. “YMCAs are important to communities. Where else can diverse populations meet in one space and feel welcome and included, feel prioritized and be seen? Regardless of social, economic, or any other background, everyone is welcome at the Y. Come as you are. We have many opportunities to serve the community and create lasting changes,” she said.
A graduate of Brewton-Parker College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Fitness, she has worked at the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, the YMCA of Central Florida, and most recently the YMCA of Greater Seattle as an Executive Director.
She was the Chair of the Y-USA Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Network and served as the Primary Project Lead for Y-USA’s LGBTQ Inclusion and Equity Grant. Additionally, Mrs. Villanueva is a National Y-USA Trainer for “Building Relationships Through Cultural Lenses” and is an alumnus of the Y-USA Emerging Global Leaders Institute.
“The Merrimack Valley YMCA has a great national reputation and I’m eager to get involved in the community. I’m very curious to learn more about what this community needs and wants. Working in a YMCA Association, you have a lot of crossover in services and service areas. We are not a one size fits all organization.” she said. “The Y wraps its arms around you wherever you are in your life journey and I am very grateful to join this team.”
“We are thrilled that Trish has joined our executive staff team. She is an accomplished Y leader and excels in program development. Trish will hit the ground running meeting our members, volunteers, current collaborators and making new connections to help us expand our reach,” said YMCA CEO Francis J. Kenneally, III.