The board of directors of the Portage Township YMCA today announced that Shannon Burhans, a Portage native with over 20 years of non-profit experience, has been named the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Burhans succeeds Amber Alexander, the immediate past YMCA CEO, after Alexander moved out of state to assume a role with a YMCA in Arizona.
Burhans was on the Y’s Board of Directors and was serving as Vice Chair when Alexander resigned in early August. Since that time, Burhans has volunteered her time and has helped manage the Y’s day to day operations under the direction of Larry Hemdal, Interim CEO. Hemdal was brought on in October to assist the board in assessing the Y and helping to assist the board with the process of CEO selection.
Burhans has been awarded the Top 20 under 40 Business People by NWI Times, Outstanding Public Citizen by Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, and Distinguished Club President by Kiwanis International. She has been actively involved in several community service organizations and missions over the past 20 years, and has a heart for serving those in Portage. Burhans graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications.
Board Chair Andrea Starling said “When you have someone as passionate about the Y as Shannon is, the decision to put the Y in her care is an easy one. It’s a new chapter for the Portage Y, and the board anticipates Shannon putting her own lasting mark on the organization as the Y continually drives its cause to nurture youth, strengthen families and improve health and wellness across the Portage Township area.”
“I am anxious to continue – and build upon – the growth and success the Y has experienced under the leadership of our past CEO’s,” said Shannon Burhans. “I am committed to and will work hand-in-hand with our strong board of directors, donors, volunteers and staff to deliver on our Y mission to strengthen the foundation of our community.”
A welcome reception for Shannon will be held at the Portage Township YMCA on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 4-7. The public is invited.
The Portage Township YMCA is an IRS 501c(3) charity whose cause is to strengthen the foundation of community through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. To learn more, visit www.ymcaofportage.org