YMCA Victoria names new Chief Executive

After conducting an extensive global search, YMCA Victoria has announced the appointment of Carolyn Morris as its new Chief Executive.

Morris, who has been the Y’s acting Chief Executive and Chief Operations Officer, will lead the organisation at an exciting time in its 160 year history.

Welcoming her new role, she stated "the Y makes a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people every single day. I am very positive about the future for YMCA Victoria and I want to ensure that our organisation continues to strengthen the communities we serve well into the future.

“I have never worked with a more passionate and enthusiastic team both locally and nationally. Together, our partners, staff, supporters and volunteers will strive to make YMCA an even better organisation. We will continue to be focused on inspiring young people, ensuring they can be heard and help build cohesive, active and healthy communities, and drive positive change in the world.”

Stephen Ellich, YMCA Victoria’s Board Chair, said Morris was selected from a very strong field of candidates that included leaders of some large-scale global organisations.

Ellich advised “Carolyn has been an outstanding Chief Operations Officer for YMCA Victoria and has already helped position the organisation for sustainable future growth. Carolyn’s knowledge of the Y and passion to drive change for good, assured the Board that our Y’s future is in good hands.”

Morris takes over from Peter Burns, who has been part of the Y for 40+ years and served as YMCA Victoria’s Chief Executive until earlier this year when he transitioned into the role of Chief Mission Officer for YMCA Victoria.

Acknowledging Burns’ contribution, Ellich added “on behalf of the Board, I want to thank Peter Burns for his incredible 17 years as CEO of YMCA Victoria. His leadership has been integral to helping grow our iconic organisation from a handful of staff, to a workforce of 6,500 passionate people delivering impact from 150 different locations.”

Prior to joining the Y, Morris enjoyed a successful career within the Aged Care, Childcare, Finance and Banking sectors including leading large business divisions at Bankwest, ANZ Bank and GE.

She joined YMCA Victoria’s Executive Leadership Team in 2018 as Chief Operations Officer. This role involved oversight of all YMCA Victoria operations, including recreation, aquatics, Kingswim, camping, children’s programs, youth services, disability services, community services, skate, as well as marketing, sales and communications.

Currently she is a volunteer Non-Executive Director for Family Planning Victoria, mentors young people through RMIT social ventures, and previously was a Treasurer and board member for Fitted for Work.

She takes on her full time role of Chief Executive as of 1st November.