Somerset Hills YMCA Welcomes New CEO

The on Wednesday evening hosted a welcome reception for the organization's new president and chief executive officer, David M. Carcieri at Dolce, that gave an opportunity for the YMCA's Board of Directors, Community Advisory Board members and other community leaders to greet the newcomer.

Carcieri arrived at the Somerset Hills YMCA on Aug. 20, coming from the Sussex County YMCA, where he had been executive director since 2006, according to the YMCA's announcement in June that Carcieri had been chosen to replace Lomauro is retiring this month.

Between speaking with others at the reception, who included New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum, who is a member of the YMCA's Board of Directors and a Basking Ridge resident, Carcieri said he one of the things that had been most obvious during his first few weeks on the job is, he said, the talents of the YMCA's many volunteers.

The help provided by such volunteers "has been impressive," he said. "I am looking forward to working with that."

Anne Fritz, a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, who also headed the seach committee that recommended Carcieri for approval, said the new CEO "has a passion for the YMCA and its mission, and he very much understands our direction."

During the search progress, Carcieri read the Somerset Hills YMCA's five-year strategic plan and the discussed that report, Fritz said.

Among the YMCA's goals are to continue growing and adding to the YMCA's 22,000 members. The YMCA's coverage area includes the Somerset Hills communities, Warren Township, Tewksbury Township and parts of Morris County, with members coming from Mendham and Chester, Fritz said.

The YMCA is looking to forge community liasions to expand its programs offered and to reach out to different locations within its large coverage area, she said.

A board member from Warren Township, Tanya McAusland, said that the YMCA has been in discussions in the past few years in an effort to create corporate and community partnerships to expand the YMCA's programs and expertise beyond the main Mount Airy Road facility. The YMCA's Riverwalk facility is on the border of Warren Township.

Mark Irwin, a board member, said that the Somerset Hills YMCA is constantly struggling to raise money to provide financial assistance to others. "David is committed to doing fundraising for us," he added.

Diana Boquist, a former Bernards Township mayor and member of the Community Advisory Board, said she would like to continue expanding outreach and programs for senior citizens.

Board member Amita Damahaptra of Bernardsville and Community Advisory Board members Lauren Luik of Tewksbury said they would like to continue — and to offer more activities — in the areas of international programs and mental health awareness, their particular areas of interest.

All said that it was too early to determine exactly how Carcieri will be part of those efforts.

A resident of Hamburg in Sussex County, Carcieri’s 16-year career with the YMCA organization began at the YMCA of Greater Providence in 1996. He served in various roles during his 10 years at Greater Providence. He was promoted to Senior Program Director when the Association opened its new branch, the West Bay Family YMCA in 2001, where he soon assumed the role of Associate Executive Director.

In 2006, Carcieri was selected as the new Executive Director of the Sussex County YMCA, the announcement said. The Sussex County YMCA is a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, the largest YMCA in the state of New Jersey, serving over 164,000 members and program participants annually.

During his tenure as the Executive Director at the Sussex County YMCA from 2006 to 2011, Carcieri grew the branch’s revenue by 52 percent, according to information from the Somerset Hills YMCA. He increased contributions to the annual support campaign by 370 percent during this time.  He also expanded membership units over 34 percent.

Tad Waldbauer, Chair of the Board of the Somerset Hill YMCA in June said Carcieri is a dedicated YMCA professional with demonstrated expertise in building strong staff and volunteer teams, fundraising, and membership and program innovation. "His community collaborations with the local hospital, other non-profit organizations and local government agencies have advanced the Y’s mission and established the Sussex County YMCA as a leading cause-driven organization."

Lomauro announced in January that he would retire following 18 years in the Somerset Hills' chief leadership position.

“I am excited to become part of the Somerset Hills YMCA and join a community that embraces the Y and supports its efforts to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” Carcieri said in the June statement released by the Somerset Hills YMCA.Carcieri will lead a team of approximately 450 employees and engage over 100 policy volunteers.