Kathy Dunn

Kathy Dunn supports the Alliance and local Ys in innovation, equity, housing, and youth leadership. Dunn coordinates development for the 7th Grade Initiative program for the Ys in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The 7th Grade Initiative is a New Jersey YMCA signature program that offers young teens complimentary Y membership to encourage them to maintain and adopt healthy behaviors at an age when they are beginning to make their own choices.

Dunn brings to New Jersey YMCA State Alliance 50 years of YMCA experience. As one of the first female YMCA executives, she was the CEO of The Gateway Family YMCA for 28 years serving communities in Union and Middlesex County, New Jersey. During her tenure she developed and sustained YMCA urban programming providing early childhood education, out-of-school-time programs, and homeless housing with wrap-around social services in partnership with local hospitals, school systems, non-profits, and municipal governments.

She has held leadership positions on community boards, civic and professional organizations including president of Union Hospital, vice-president of Union Township Chamber of Commerce, chair of Union County Human Service Advisory Committee, president of Elizabeth Rotary Club, vice-president of New Jersey Center for Non-Profits, treasurer of Association of Professional YMCA Directors administration section, and YMCA of the USA National Board.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Junior High Education. She currently serves on the RSI Bank board of directors, Senior Housing III, Inc. board of trustees, YMCA Alumni National Service Project fundraising steering committee, and is a YMCA of the USA new CEO coach.