Here’s a big announcement from the  West Suburban YMCA …

Pat Palmer | Newton MA News and Politics BlogNewton, MA- Patrick V. Palmer, after over 10 years of service as the CEO and President of the West Suburban YMCA, has announced his retirement effective January 24, 2014.

During his tenure, the Y underwent enormous transformation and expansion of its membership and value-based programs, services and facilities. Y membership grew from 3,300 to over 8,000 members. Program offerings nearly tripled and financial assistance for families in need grew by 300%.

Under Palmer’s leadership the Y saw many improvements including the build-out of a new gymnasium in 2004 and the construction of an all-weather, artificial turf playing field and synthetic track, the New Balance Track & Field, in 2007. In 2011, the Y completed additional renovations to its 101-year-old facility in Newton Corner. These improvements included creation of a new men’s locker room, family changing rooms, dance and music studios, and a homework/technology center. The Y’s new Youth Community Center is now the home of the Newton Teen Center.

“I truly enjoyed being a member of the West Suburban YCMA family and contributing to its growth and transformation,” noted Palmer. “I will always hold a special place in my heart for many friends and colleagues who I came to know and work with over the past decade.”

While serving as the West Suburban YMCA’s President and CEO, Palmer became very active in the Newton community and Y leadership in Massachusetts. For eight years, he served on the Board of Directors of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce including being Board Chair in 2010 and 2011. He served on the Executive Committee of the Mass Alliance of YMCA’s and was a member of their Child Abuse Protection Commission.

In retirement, Palmer plans to focus his energies and resources on expanding support for the Angela and Patrick Palmer Research Fund for Brain Cancer which the Palmer family established in 2011. The purpose of this fund is to support research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Neuro-Oncology Department and to one day find a cure for the disease that has affected his family and many others.

Sandra Butzel, Chair of the West Suburban YMCA’s Board of Directors, noted on behalf of the Y Board that “Pat was an inspiring leader and full of ideas for growth at the Y. Board members, Y members and staff celebrated one accomplishment after another, many now permanent features of the Y.  I know Pat will bring the same energy and drive to his Foundation, and we wish the very best for Pat and his family.”

Mary Kern, who was the Chief Operating Officer of the Y, is serving as Interim CEO and President.