Worcester Business Journal

20 Worcester Business Journal | March 4, 2024 | wbjournal.com F O C U S B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R BY TRACEE M. HERBAUGH Special to WBJ A passion for community service and a sound background in finance have helped David Connell succeed as leader of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. He took the job just one year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a turning point shaping his vision and commitment to the people the Y serves. e last 12 months have been strong for the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. Under Connell's leadership, membership has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, even with the challenge of finding enough workers to employ in this growing organization. "Not only have we rebounded with our former members, we've seen people using the facilities more than they ever did," Connell said. e Y has increased the number of youth programming options and has employed 151 teens in their first jobs. "We are serving the highest number of youth we have ever served in camps," he said. "We are able to bring young people to a place where they can Connell led the YMCA to set fundraising, programming records Large Nonprofit Leader of the Year David Connell President & CEO YMCA of Central Massachusetts, in Worcester Employees: 1,099 Birthplace: Barbados, West Indies Residence: Northbridge Poet, at heart: As a child, Connell was fascinated by poetry, especially works from the former British West Indies spanning various forms like epic, lyrical, prose, dramatic, and oral traditions. To this day, he enjoys delving into this rich literary heritage for relaxation, exploring themes such as self-deter- mination, freedom, and racial equity. PHOTO | MATT WRIGHT experience swimming, team building. ey can start laughing again." e Y has launched its Worcester Community Capital Campaign, and over the past year has raised $6 million to complete a series of projects at the Central Community and Greendale Family Branches, which is an organizational record. is is on top of the nonprofit raising $1.3 million in annual funds. ese accomplishments are built on a framework Connell laid during the COVID-19 pandemic. e YMCA of Central Massachusetts has delivered 1.7 million meals to families since the pandemic started and was among the first to provide emergency childcare for first responders. "We tend to forget the pandemic happened, but there was no blueprint for how to handle it," said Jack Foley, a YMCA of Central Massachusetts board member. "David's work put us in a good position to move forward." Connell has always been a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and social progress. Originally hailing from Barbados, Connell immigrated to Massachusetts during his teenage years and has since become an integral part of the local community. He started his career at the Bank of New England, working in customer service, leading teams, and networking with nonprofits.

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