Cristen Gilbert
President/CEO
Mansfield Area Y
Recognized by the Board for her exceptional leadership, Cristen was named President/CEO in 2012. In addition to the overseeing the daily management, she spearheaded the 150th Capital Campaign, raising over $1.3 million in 2017. Further, she and the board have developed a solid plan for future funding including expanding the annual campaign for the financial stability of the organization for years to come. She is a co-chair of the Connections Fund, a vibrant group of young community leaders with a desire to give back to their community, an active volunteer for Junior Achievement, and a PTO representative of Western Elementary. Respectively, Cristen was awarded the 10 under 40 award, a recognition for her professionalism and leadership through the RCDG (Richland County Development Group).
In the 7 years since becoming CEO, her accomplishments include:
o Retiring the YMCA’s Capital Debt.
o Raising over $1.3m for 3 major projects for the Ys 150th Anniversary, including the addition of the county’s first inclusive splash pad park.
o Reducing operating expenses, while increasing donor giving.
o Increasing membership rolls: current statistics reflect over 10,000.
o Increased program funding through program specific grant opportunities; chronic disease prevention, Y on Wheels, and Safety Around Water to name a few.
o Increased Y-Childcare enrollment, by the addition of the Y’s fourth child care center and piloting a new before and after-school program in two large school districts.
o Has established meaningful relationships/collaborations with other area non-profits; such as, OhioHealth, the Shelby Community YMCA, Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center, Lucas Community Center, Dewald Community Center, and Richland Public Health.
Cristen, her husband Drew, their two children Diem and Cade, and their puppy, Jak reside in their hometown of Lexington, Ohio.