Bergen Co. Commissioner Resigns, Named New Ridgewood YMCA President

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Bergen County Commissioner Ramon Hache resigned Wednesday to focus on his new role as president and CEO of Ridgewood YMCA.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to be part of this Y’s tremendous legacy and eager to start this new chapter in my service to Northern New Jersey," Hache said. "I am excited to work in partnership with our talented staff and volunteers to help our community members belong, grow and thrive."

Hache will officially assume the role on March 6. He succeeds former president and CEO Ernest Lamour, who retired at the end of last year to accept appointment as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester.

Selected through a nationwide search led by the Ridgewood YMCA Board of Directors, Hache resigned as county commissioner to "avoid any conflicts with the organization's policies regarding political activities," the organization said in a news release.

“Ramon’s contributions to the Bergen County Board of Commissioners have been impactful and appreciated,” says Thomas Sullivan, Chairman of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners. “His energy and passion will be missed, but they will be well-used in his new role and we wish him the best of luck.”

Now that Hache has resigned from his county government post, the Bergen County Democratic county committee must meet to complete his unexpired term, which ends on Dec. 31, according to the New Jersey Globe. He was elected in November 2020 to his first term on the Board of Commissioners.

Hache has had experience working in the public and private sectors, where he, most recently, was DMR Architects' director of business development. Hache is resigning from that role as well, the firm announced in a LinkedIn post Thursday.

“We are sorry to be losing Ramon, whose skills, knowledge of the region and work ethic were much appreciated at DMR,” founder and president Lloyd Rosenberg said. “But these are all traits that are well-suited to his new role, and we wish him the best of luck.”

"As first-hand witnesses of his incredible commitment to relationships and community, we know he will thrive (as CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA)," the LinkedIn post said.

While excited to embark on a new venture, Hache commented, he will "miss DMR dearly."

"DMR has been a great place to work with some incredibly talented people and a dedicated management team," he said.

Before joining DMR in 2021, Hache served as a mayor and councilman in Ridgewood, and on several boards and committees, and, prior to that, he had a long career in asset and wealth management.

“Among the many fine candidates for the position of Ridgewood Y CEO, Ramon’s accomplishments and history of advancing the community were unique, and we are confident about what our Y will become under his leadership” says Shannon Warren, Chair of the Ridgewood YMCA Board of Directors.