PORT ANGELES — Wendy Bart, who has served as interim chief executive officer of the Olympic Peninsula YMCA for the past five months, has been named the organization’s CEO.

Bart was appointed to the interim position on Feb. 3 by the Olympic Peninsula YMCA Association board of directors after former CEO Len Borchers retired. Board directors voted unanimously to offer her the permanent position as CEO at their June 12 meeting.

“I’m beyond thrilled to serve as CEO of the Olympic Peninsula YMCA,” Bart said.

“I’ve considered it a privilege to have provided leadership during this unprecedented time, and I look forward to deepening the Y’s service to the community in new and meaningful ways.”

“I’ve enjoyed building relationships with our community and watching people come together in support of children and families. I’d like to build on that in the future and make sure the Y continues to meet community needs.”

Bart has more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles with YMCAs across Washington state.

She most recently served as senior vice president and chief membership and health officer at the YMCA of Greater Seattle, providing leadership and direction for membership and facility management across 12 full-facility branches and two overnight camps.

“Wendy came to us at a challenging time, yet she has faced all of these adverse circumstances with determination and plucky drive,” said Virginia O’Neil, Olympic Peninsula YMCA associate board director.

“Wendy is a true servant leader who lives her Y values every day,” O’Neil said. “Her ‘can do’ attitude and bright outlook are infectious. She sets a high bar but promises to be there with you to attain the shared goal. I believe hers is the rising tide that will lift all ships.”

For more about Olympic Peninsula YMCA, see www.olympicpeninsulaymca.org.

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Terry Ward, publisher of the Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum, serves on the Olympic Peninsula YMCA board of directors.