Madison Area YMCA Announces CEO Retirement After 16 Years of Leadership

Diane Mann to step down after overseeing major expansions and growth at the community organization.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A blurred, impressionistic photograph showing silhouettes of people engaged in various activities at a YMCA facility, conveying a sense of community and wellness.The Madison Area YMCA celebrates 16 years of community-focused leadership under the retiring CEO Diane Mann.Madison Today

The Madison Area YMCA Board of Directors has announced that President and CEO Diane Mann plans to retire later this year after 16 years of leading the organization. Under Mann's tenure, the YMCA completed a $20 million expansion of its Family Center facility and a $1.16 million expansion of its F.M. Kirby Children's Center, resulting in record-breaking membership and program participation. Mann also oversaw the launch of new no-cost chronic disease and mental health programs, as well as expanded offerings for youth with special needs.

Why it matters

The Madison Area YMCA is a vital community organization that provides a wide range of services and programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Mann's retirement after 16 years of leadership marks a significant transition for the YMCA as it looks to build on its recent growth and continue serving the local community.

The details

Under Diane Mann's leadership as President and CEO since 2010, the Madison Area YMCA completed major expansions of its facilities, including a $20 million project that added 28,865 square feet to the Family Center in 2021. This expansion included new state-of-the-art fitness centers, a gymnasium, and an eight-lane pool. Mann also oversaw a $1.16 million expansion of the F.M. Kirby Children's Center in 2024 to keep pace with growing demand for early childhood education. These facility upgrades, combined with the YMCA's reputation for high-quality programming, have resulted in record-breaking membership and participation.

  • Diane Mann became President and CEO of the Madison Area YMCA in June 2010.
  • The $20 million expansion of the Family Center was completed in 2021.
  • The $1.16 million expansion of the F.M. Kirby Children's Center was completed in September 2024.
  • Diane Mann plans to retire later this year after a new CEO is selected.

The players

Diane Mann

The President and CEO of the Madison Area YMCA since 2010, who is retiring later this year after 16 years of leadership.

Michael Griffin

The Board of Directors Chair of the Madison Area YMCA.

Madison Area YMCA

A nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the local community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are extraordinarily grateful to Diane for her leadership and service over the last 16 years, a tenure that has been characterized by thoughtful business management balanced with a steadfast commitment to our mission.”

— Michael Griffin, Board of Directors Chair

“It has been my honor over the past 15 years to lead this remarkable organization of talented, dedicated staff and volunteers who share a passion for serving the Madison community. Thanks to our exceptional team of Board members, staff, donors, and volunteers, I have no doubt that the Madison Area YMCA will continue to advance our mission.”

— Diane Mann, President and CEO

What’s next

The YMCA Board of Directors has seated a search and selection committee that will work with YUSA on a search for candidates from both within YMCAs and externally to find a new CEO to succeed Diane Mann.

The takeaway

Diane Mann's retirement after 16 years of leadership marks a significant transition for the Madison Area YMCA, which has seen substantial growth and expansion under her tenure. The YMCA is well-positioned to continue advancing its mission of community service as it seeks a new CEO to build on its recent successes.