YMCA Announces Interim President/CEO

The Heart of the Valley YMCA Board of Directors announces the appointment of Jeffrey L. Collen, a 36-year YMCA professional, as the nonprofit's new interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Collen began his role as the interim CEO of the local YMCA association on Sept. 1. Jeff Collen is replacing Jerry Courtney who retired in August after 9 years as the President and CEO of the Heart of the Valley YMCA. Facilities include the Southeast Family YMCA and Downtown YMCA in Huntsville, the Hogan Family YMCA in Madison, three Early Childhood Education Centers in Huntsville and YMCA Camp Cha-La-Kee in Guntersville.

Collen most recently served as the Interim President and CEO of the Jackson Metropolitan YMCA in Mississippi. Over his career, Jeff has held positions as CEO, CFO, and COO for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Prior to Jeff's Y career, he coached swimming, working with many national champions, world record holders, and Olympians.

Jeff holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been part of the teaching faculties at Wisconsin, New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, New Mexico), Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, Texas), and St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, Minnesota).

For more information on Heart of the Valley YMCA programs and branches, visit ymcahuntsville.org.