Our New CEO

The Wabash County YMCA has named Steven Stanfield as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 13, 2026. Selected by the Y’s Board of Directors, following a 6-month search, Stanfield will succeed Dean Gogolewski who resigned in the fall of 2025. In his new role, Stanfield will be responsible for advancing the YMCA’s mission of fostering wellness in the community through expanding programming, strengthening partnerships, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

“Our search process began with an open-ended survey in which we asked the community how they viewed the role of the YMCA in Wabash County and what they hoped to see in our next CEO,” said Melissa Ford-Kalbfell, CVO of the Wabash County YMCA. “Over 80 individuals from the community responded to the survey with long, thought-out answers. These answers helped to define the characteristics we would seek in our next CEO. Y-USA, the national resource office for YMCA’s in the United States, was incredibly helpful to our search committee, as their team helped to facilitate the application and interview process. We were fortunate to have several great candidates from around Indiana and the country. Ultimately, after the committee interviewed Steven, we felt he very much aligned with what our community was seeking in our next CEO. His passion for the YMCA’s mission, his leadership and servant-heart, and his experience in operations stood out as strengths that will position him well to lead the YMCA into its next chapter.”

“I am truly honored and excited to join the Wabash County YMCA family,” says Stanfield. “The YMCA has long been an integral part of my life and my family’s journey, and I look forward to building meaningful connections and strengthening the impact we have together across the community.”

Stanfield is a seasoned YMCA executive with 15 years of experience leading community-focused organizations. He currently serves as CEO of the YMCA of Douglas County, Oregon. Throughout his career, Stanfield has driven impactful initiatives, including launching a youth program that served over 10,000 children in its first year and developing partnerships that expanded access to YMCA memberships for more than 3,000 underserved individuals and families. Known for his relational leadership style, he works closely with boards and staff to strengthen organizational culture, advance strategic priorities, and deliver measurable community impact. Stanfield is passionate about expanding access, building partnerships, and improving quality of life for individuals and families.

The YMCA will host a CEO meet and greet open to the public on Thursday, August 6th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Remarks will be at 5:30 p.m.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.