There will be a new person at the helm of the Timmins YMCA in September. Helen Francis will add Timmins to her current title of Northeastern Ontario YMCA President and CEO. She takes over long time President Wayne Bozzer who is retiring at the end of the month. Francis says there are tremendous opportunities for the YMCA to explore in the future.
“To serve the community in new and different ways whether it’s through health and fitness, programs or in fact or using some of the work we do in employment or newcomer services,” she said. ”
Officials at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario and the YMCA of Timmins have been in discussions over the last few years on how the YMCA can remain strong, and sustainable for Northern communities. The officials noted that the retirement of Wayne Bozzer, has provided an opportunity for both YMCAs to work together to support Northern communities with a shared CEO.
Francis praised Bozzer for his long-time role at the YMCA.
“Wayne is born and raised in Timmins and has been able to contribute as a CEO to the YMCA using that valuable experience,” she said. “I have no doubt that although it’s retirement that it will mean he will move into volunteer work and roles both at the YMCA but other parts of the community.”
Francis maintains that the Timmins and Northeastern YMCAs will remain separate.
Francis took on the role of President and CEO for the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario in 2019, having previously been on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Sudbury, YMCA of Northeastern Ontario and YMCA Canada. Before her career with the YMCA, Helen was a General Manager within the mining sector.
It was also announced that that Courtney Berlinghoff takes over as Regional Manager. Berlinghoff has her Bachelor has spent over 12 years working at the YMCA of Timmins. She began her career as a Summer Day Camps Supervisor, moved to Community Programs Coordinator and since 2018 has been working at the General Manager for the YMCA of Timmins overseeing YMCA Child Care, Early Years Programs, Before & After School Programs, and Day Camps.