Leadership

Jim McEldowney
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (814)452-1432 ext. 1230
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Growing up in Wheeling, West Virginia, Jim spent much of his childhood at the YMCA, where his father served as a YMCA professional for more than 40 years. Being part of the Y community from such an early age inspired Jim to follow in his father’s footsteps, and he is proud to be a second-generation YMCA professional.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree in Business from West Liberty University in West Virginia and later completed his Master’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. His YMCA career began in 1993 when he worked part-time as a lifeguard, youth sports referee, and helped organize adult sports leagues. Those early experiences shaped Jim’s passion for community service and youth development.

For more than 30 years, Jim has had the privilege of serving the Erie YMCA in a variety of roles, including Program Director, Executive Director at the Glenwood Park Branch, Site Director at Camp Sherwin, Executive Director at both the County and Downtown branches, and Chief Operating Officer. Today, Jim is honored to serve as CEO and continue working alongside an incredible team dedicated to strengthening our community.

Jim and his family live in Edinboro, where they enjoy spending time outdoors, taking family trips, and playing with their two dogs.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“One of the things I love most about the YMCA is the people. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the greatest individuals, and the relationships built through the Y have truly extended our family to include colleagues and members who have supported us in countless ways.”

Jessica Wolfrom
Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (814)452-1432 ext. 1233
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Jessica began her Y journey as a member in 2009, using the Y as a place to stay active and connected to the community. Through that experience, she developed a strong appreciation for the Y’s mission and the important role it plays in supporting families across Erie. She joined the staff team in 2018.

As Chief Financial Officer, Jessica oversees the association’s financial strategy, budgeting, accounting, payroll, and operational support to ensure strong stewardship of resources that serve the community. Prior to joining the Y, she spent more than a decade in banking leadership roles at Marquette Savings Bank and Northwest Savings Bank.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“The Y gives you the opportunity to use your talents to support a bigger cause. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the work we do each day directly impacts our community and helps families thrive.”

Sean Beers
Chief Operating Officer
Phone: (814)452-1432 ext. 1278
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Sean began his YMCA journey more than 20 years ago as a Wellness Coach at the County YMCA. What started as an entry-level role quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community.

Over the years, Sean has served in a variety of leadership roles with the YMCA of Greater Erie, including Program Coordinator, Program Director, and Executive Director at both the Downtown and Eastside Family YMCAs. Through these roles, he has led branch operations, program development, staff leadership, and community engagement initiatives that support the Y’s impact across Erie County.

In his current role as Chief Operating Officer, Sean oversees the day-to-day operations of the YMCA of Greater Erie, supporting branch leadership and ensuring the organization continues to deliver programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“The Y brings people together. Seeing the connections, growth, and sense of community that happen here every day is what makes the work so meaningful.”

Deanna Renaud
Vice President, Marketing and Financial Development
Phone: (814)452-1432 ext. 1252
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Deanna started her Y journey as a child, taking swim lessons and playing indoor soccer. As an adult, Deanna rejoined the Y in 2015 and immediately found a sense of belonging as she made new friends in group exercise classes. The space quickly became an important part of her mental and physical health.

Deanna joined the Y staff in October 2023, bringing decades of leadership in communications, marketing, operations and nonprofit management. Before joining the Y, Deanna served as Executive Director of Community Blood Bank, as well as Executive Director of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Northwest Region. She has also served in roles with the Erie Zoo, Erie Times-News, UPMC and local radio.

In her current role, Deanna leads the advertising, community relations, digital media, fundraising and grants initiatives for the association. She enjoys the opportunity to tell important stories and connect partners with meaningful ways to support the Y’s mission.

Favorite thing about the Y:

"I love watching people connect with each other. Whether it’s people who start chatting in class, people who bump into each other after many years, or two strangers who just happen to be sitting in the lobby. We are all happier when we feel part of something, and the Y is an incredible place to belong."

Jill Simmons
Vice President, Youth Development
Phone: (814)452-1432 ext. 1244
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Jill’s YMCA journey began as a preschool teacher at the Fairview location, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting children, families, and staff.

With 25 years of experience in early childhood education and out-of-school time programming, Jill brings extensive expertise in program development, operational leadership, and quality improvement. She has a strong track record of building high-performing teams and implementing systems that enhance both compliance and the overall family experience.

In her role as Vice President of Youth Development, Jill provides strategic oversight for child care programming across 13 locations. She leads initiatives focused on program quality, staff development, licensing compliance, and operational consistency, ensuring that each site delivers a safe, engaging, and impactful experience for children and families.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“I love seeing the impact we have on children and families every day. From the relationships built in the classroom to the confidence children gain as they grow, the Y is a place where meaningful connections and lasting memories are made.”

Emily Irwin
Executive Director – County YMCA
Phone: (814)734-5700 ext. 6022
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Emily started her Y journey as a child, taking swim lessons at the Eastside Y. When her mom took a position at the Glenwood Y, as the Kinder Bear Lead Teacher, Emily volunteered as a CIT (Counselor In Training). From there, she jumped at the opportunity to become a certified Y Lifeguard and started her first part time job in Aquatics.

Over the next 22 years, Emily continued to grow within the Y, serving in many roles at multiple branch locations. She set her heart on an Executive Director role and when offered the position in March 2024, she was eager to begin a new journey.

In her current role, Emily leads the Y’s strategic operations, staff leadership, community partnerships, membership engagement, and program development initiatives at the County Y location.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“I most enjoy the Y’s foundation in faith and the opportunity to live out that mission by serving and supporting our communities every day. I love how many people find connection and belonging within the Y, and I’m grateful for all the people I get to build relationships with.”

Zach Miller
Executive Director – Downtown YMCA
Phone: (814)452-3261 ext. 2224
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Zach started his YMCA journey teaching Intro to Soccer at the Lock Haven YMCA, where he first discovered his passion for helping others grow and connect. He joined the YMCA of Greater Erie in 2011 as an intern and has since held several leadership roles, including Kids Club Site Director, Program Director at the Glenwood YMCA, and Executive Director at the County YMCA.

Today, Zach serves as the Executive Director of the Downtown YMCA, where he oversees daily operations and leads community partnerships throughout the City of Erie. He’s passionate about creating a welcoming space where people can build healthy habits, gain confidence, and feel a sense of belonging.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“What I enjoy most about the Y is seeing the real impact it has—helping both kids and adults make new friends, grow stronger, and have fun along the way.”

Monica Olesnanik
Executive Director – Glenwood YMCA
Phone: (814)868-0867 ext. 4234
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Monica’s journey with the Y began over 23 years ago when she was hired to greet members at the front desk of the Downtown YMCA. From there, she expanded her role to include teaching fitness classes and leading youth programs, eventually stepping into leadership positions. She spent five years overseeing The Y @ UPMC Hamot before being named Associate Executive Director at the Downtown YMCA in 2018. In 2023, she advanced into her current role as Executive Director at the Glenwood Park YMCA.

In her current role, Monica oversees operations and connects with members and families through programs and experiences that nurture meaningful relationships with quality time. She especially values the sense of belonging the Y creates and enjoys the everyday moments when people connect and build community.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“The strong sense of family and belonging fostered within our walls and throughout our programs. It’s something the Y has given me, and I’m deeply grateful—and truly honored—to help create that same experience for others.”

Kelly Gibson
Executive Director – Eastside YMCA
Phone: (814)899-9622 ext. 3227
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Kelly began her YMCA journey in 2012 as a Group Exercise Instructor, where she discovered her passion for helping others improve their health and build meaningful connections. Since then, she has served in several leadership roles, including Healthy Living Director, where she helped expand the Eastside YMCA’s fitness center and Obstacle Interval Center.

Today, Kelly serves as the Executive Director of the Eastside Family YMCA. In this role, she leads branch operations, fosters strong community partnerships, and champions initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of the Erie community. She has played a key role in securing grants, expanding youth, family, and wellness programs, and launching chronic disease prevention initiatives. Most recently, she led the Y @ Wabtec facility, driving consistent growth in membership.

Kelly is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where people of all ages can achieve their goals, build relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Favorite thing about the Y:

“What I love most about the Y is seeing people grow—whether it’s gaining confidence, improving their health, or forming friendships that make this place feel like home.”