Nicci Bucher has been named by YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg as its new CEO. She will begin her tenure in November.<\/p>\n
Bucher will succeed David Jezek, who has been serving as the organization\u2019s leader for 17 years. In March, he announced that he would retire by the end of 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve explored many cities over the last couple of years \u2013 just thinking about my next adventure,\u201d Bucher said. \u201cIt really felt that this was just a natural synergy and fit for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
With more than 20 years of leadership experience within the YMCA organization, Bucher currently serves as the chief operating officer at YMCA of Central Florida, overseeing 14 family centers, four early learning centers and 30 before-and-after school locations.<\/p>\n
Additionally, she has been responsible for two YMCA-operated facilities, the Learning Centers, located on Walt Disney World Resort property. These provide child development programs for children between six weeks and 12 years old.<\/p>\n
Bucher explained that YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg\u2019s current programs such as early learning initiatives and Speer YMCA at Mangrove Bay Middle School (a collaboration between the organization and Pinellas County Schools) are similar to the projects she has supervised at YMCA of Central Florida. This played a role in her decision to accept the new position.<\/p>\n
For Bucher, a key part of the work is engagement and interaction with local residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t feel like we can truly serve and meet our mission without understanding and having a beat in the community,\u201d she said. \u201cSo, I intend to be very visible and lead in the growth and expansion of our programs and services.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bucher wants to help the organization pursue new partnerships within the healthcare space as well as with other nonprofits.<\/p>\n
\u201cRelationships and connections are key,\u201d she said. \u201cI really shared throughout this process that I believe in getting into additional communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, this does not mean opening a new location. It is all about expanding the organization\u2019s outreach through collaborations, Bucher continued.<\/p>\n
Once she takes office, Bucher will oversee the completion of ongoing projects such as the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy expansion and the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA renovation effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout our national search for a new CEO, Nicci quickly distinguished herself as the clear choice,\u201d said Lucas DeVicente, search committee chair and incoming board chair for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg in a prepared statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith her extensive experience and impressive accomplishments at YMCA of Central Florida, along with her deep commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Nicci is well-positioned to guide YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg into a strong and vibrant future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before joining the YMCA organization, Bucher worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families.<\/p>\n