Bob Gallagher, a 36-year veteran of the YMCA system across Canada, has been named the new president of Ottawa’s network of recreation and employment hubs, including the Taggart Y and Downtown Y in Centretown.
Gallagher had been serving as acting CEO of the National Capital Region Y from mid August to December 2015 while Deirdre Speers, the former president and CEO, was on a leave of absence. He is now finishing up his time as president and CEO of the Peterborough-based YMCA of Central East Ontario before he officially takes responsibility in Ottawa on Feb. 16.
Gallagher isn’t hard-pressed to find challenges in his new assignment, identifying a new environment and a lack of familiarity as early trials.
“I’m new to the community. I’m new to the National Capital Y. My first challenge is to overcome myself.”
Those around Gallagher have no doubt that he will rise to the challenge.
“He’s extraordinary with young people and his interaction with the community,” says Tom Phillips, chair of the Central East Ontario YMCA.
A notable challenge that Gallagher is facing with the local YMCA is that of revenue. According to its annual reports, the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region has failed to register a surplus since 2009. This includes 2014 when the organization faced a deficit of more than $2 million.
However, creating revenue with the Y may be Gallagher’s most tangible strength.
Under his tenure in Peterborough, starting in 1987, revenues approached $10 million for the Central East Ontario region and two new YMCA facilities were added over the span of eight years.
Gallagher’s achievements with the Central East Ontario branch also reach beyond the sphere of financial prosperity. His accomplishments include a Belleville Y that won the Not for Profit Organization of the Year, through the Quinte Business Achievement Awards in 2003, as well as multiple customer service awards by YMCA Canada.
“We’ve been extremely successful,” says Phillips. “But it wasn’t successful when Bob arrived. He really turned Peterborough and Belleville around and created a Y that can exist in Quinte West.”
Childcare, family housing and newcomer services are among the programs Gallagher mentioned he was excited about having the opportunity to further develop.
The change in leadership is significant for both Gallagher and the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region. Gallagher will be overseeing a YMCA that provides programs and services to more than 70,000 people in the Ottawa region, much greater than the 16,000 members that belong to the Central East Ontario YMCA. Meanwhile, the local YMCA is facing its first change in leadership since Speers took over as acting president and CEO in 2010.
Gallagher is planning on waiting until he is in Ottawa and fully acquainted with the organization before initiating any changes.
“We have a significant role to play in the community and we have played a significant role in communities for a century and a half. I think that’s the exciting part, to really focus the Y as the heart of a healthy community.”