MONTCLAIR, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Volunteer Officer Marjorie Pierre-Merritt and a new slate of Board officers — Jack Pitts as Vice-Chair, David Harrison as Secretary, and Alberto Bonilla as Treasurer.
The transition took place on May 25 at the YMCA of Montclair’s Annual Meeting. Longtime Y member, former Dolphins Swim Team Board member, YMCA Board member, and outgoing Chief Volunteer Officer Izumi Hara virtually passed the gavel.
“For the past 10 years, Izumi Hara has served on our Board of Directors, led our Y through a CEO transition, initiated our Strategic Planning process, recruited many of our current Board members, and has held numerous leadership positions, including the Chair for the past 3 years,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “I would like to thank Izumi for all the support, leadership, and guidance she gave our Y, our Board, and me personally.”
Also rotating off the Board are Mutya Harsch and Michael Townson who served for 6 and 5 years, respectively. The Y looks forward to their future involvement with the Y.
In addition to the installation of new officers, two new board members were added to serve three-year terms. The Board of Directors of the YMCA of Montclair welcomes:
Robert Davison, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association. Robert serves and has served the State of New Jersey on numerous Task Forces on Mental Health, is on the Board of Directors Public Policy Committee for Mental Health America and is a grant reviewer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Robert also served as a councilperson for the Borough of Caldwell from 1995 to 2004. Robert is a resident of West Caldwell.
DeVonne Salliey, the Director of Client Success at ADP, Inc. DeVonne cultivates retention and business growth within a human resource outsourcing model. DeVonne is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Human Capital Management (HCM) Professional. DeVonne is an active member, former Trustee and Treasurer of Union Baptist Church of Montclair. DeVonne brings to the Y her expertise in strategy, human capital management, and technology. DeVonne is a resident of Montclair.
The Board of Directors is composed of up to 24 members who provide oversight, help guide the nonprofit’s strategic direction, set policy, and raise support for programs and scholarships.
“I humbly accept the gavel knowing that it will be impossible to fill the shoes of the outgoing chair Izumi Hara,” said Marjorie Pierre-Merritt, Chief Volunteer Officer. “When I joined the board I said, ‘let’s get to work’. The Y is a special organization that provides critical support to so many. I look forward to an impactful year and future for the Y.”
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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.