CEO Announces Retirement
Grand River Area Family YMCA, Inc.
June 17, 2025
The Grand River Area Family YMCA, Inc. announces that Theresa Hendrix, Chief Executive Officer of the (Chillicothe, Carrollton & Brookfield YMCAs), will retire in December 2025. Hendrix is the fifth CEO and the first female CEO to lead the YMCA, a role she has filled since 2020.
“The YMCA has been my second home during my entire career; people kid around and ask if I have a cot in the back room. The YMCA has provided me with inspiration and growth opportunities since graduating from college with my undergraduate degree. Choosing the YMCA for my lifelong career was never a thought while getting my degree, but my first part-time YMCA job as a lifeguard & swimming instructor changed my life, allowing me to work at the mission-driven organization. I have been blessed with being able to impact the lives of many members, peers, and staff members. Making people smile with Christmas decorations, special treats, the year-round holiday tree or crocheted items makes my day! I have been fortunate to work with many awesome people throughout the many YMCAs across the country. Serving the Chillicothe area has been special, because of the many incredible people that I have gotten to know.” Hendrix said.
“When I started at the Grand River Area Family YMCA, Inc. we were in a very tough financial position. This community, with tremendous support of donors, foundations, and partners, along with an amazing team of board members and staff have worked to make our YMCA mission successful.” Hendrix shares, “I am thankful for all the partnerships, friendships, challenges, and opportunities we were presented that made us stronger and allowed our YMCA and community to succeed over the past five years. I am excited to see how the YMCA in our area will continue to grow and serve our community.
Hendrix has worked for the YMCA movement for over forty-one years in Chillicothe, Missouri, El Paso, Texas, Shawnee, Oklahoma, Boonville, Missouri, Daytona Beach, Florida, Miami, Florida, Mexico, Missouri, and Quincy, Illinois. Hendrix started a YMCA in Key Largo, Florida while with the Miami Association. “Retiring is bittersweet for me, but I will still be active in the YMCA, just in a different role,” Hendrix said. Her last day will be December 12 and she plans to stay in the area.
Until her retirement at the end of the year, Theresa will continue to provide oversight for the three YMCAs in the Grand River Area Family YMCA, Inc. Association and oversee day-to-day operations for the Chillicothe branch. Lou Cowherd, President of the Board states “We appreciate the business acumen that Theresa brought to our YMCAs at a time when it was sorely needed. She has built a solid financial foundation which we continue to build on. The board expresses our sincere thanks to Theresa for her commitment and service to our communities through the mission of the YMCA. She enhanced the lives of many individuals during her time serving in leadership. She leaves behind a Y association that is stronger in every way than it was when she found it. In addition, she leaves behind a board and staff team that are well prepared and inspired to continue our YMCA’s long tradition of service around youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.”
During Hendrix’s tenure, the Grand River Area Family YMCA, Inc. grew to serve about 7,000 members (three branches), supported children and families with a renovated YMCA (Carrollton), renovated locker room (Chillicothe), and repurposed space (Brookfield). The YMCA added 24/7 access to all three Y’s. More membership and program scholarships have been made available due to successful Partner with Youth fundraising campaigns as well as increasing grants and continuing to develop strong donors and supporters. Hendrix oversaw the $1 million renovation of the Chillicothe locker room in 2025, and other smaller capital projects such as the new dehumidifier in 2021, new equipment at two branches, and many more.
The YMCA Board has a transition team which will be led by Carol Sloan, Grand River Area Family YMCA - Chillicothe Board of Directors member, to direct the process of identifying the YMCA’s next Chief Executive Officer. The YMCA is committed to finding a leader who will carry forward its mission and values while guiding the Y into the future. Thank you for your continued support during this exciting new chapter. A retirement reception will be held for Theresa to express our appreciation for her service later this year.
About the YMCA
Driven by the desire of community members to serve our area youth, the YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the communities in North Missouri for more than thirty-five years. The YMCA focuses on the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Serving the eight-county service area with many programs that develop youth, such as sports and camps, the healthy living provides programs for all ages of individuals, the social responsibility of feeding children, and keeping our kids safe. The YMCA brings people and the community together in unique ways.
Contact:
Carol Sloan, Transition Team
The Grand River Area Family YMCA, Inc.
carol.sloan81@gmail.com 573-808-1336