News Summary
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has appointed Nicci Bucher as its new CEO, effective November. With over two decades of leadership experience, Bucher aims to expand YMCA programs and foster community engagement, focusing on early learning and partnerships with local schools. Her prior role as COO of the YMCA of Central Florida underscores her commitment to youth development and social responsibility, as she prepares to lead the organization into its next chapter following the retirement of David Jezek.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has appointed Nicci Bucher as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November. Bucher steps into the role after serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Central Florida since July 2023. She will succeed David Jezek, who has led the organization for 17 years and is set to retire by the end of 2025.
Bucher expressed that the opportunity to lead the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg feels like a natural synergy and fit for her, particularly after exploring various cities for her next career move. With over 20 years of leadership experience within the YMCA organization, Bucher brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.
At the YMCA of Central Florida, Bucher oversaw a range of facilities including 14 family centers, four early learning centers, and 30 before-and-after school programs. Additionally, she managed two YMCA-operated Learning Centers located within the Walt Disney World Resort, which provide child development programs for children aged six weeks to 12 years. These extensive responsibilities highlight her capability and commitment to the organization’s mission.
Bucher noted that her decision to accept the CEO position was influenced by the similarities between the current programs at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg and her previous initiatives. The organization’s focus on early learning and collaboration with the Speer YMCA at Mangrove Bay Middle School and Pinellas County Schools closely aligns with her past projects. She emphasizes the necessity for engaging with local residents as fundamental to fulfilling the YMCA’s mission.
As part of her vision for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, Bucher plans to be highly visible in the community. Her strategies aim at fostering growth and expanding the organization’s programs and services. Moreover, she intends to explore new partnerships within the healthcare sector and with various nonprofits to enhance outreach efforts, potentially without the need for new facility openings.
Among her priorities, Bucher will also oversee the completion of ongoing initiatives, including the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy expansion and the renovation of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA. These projects are essential for supporting the organization’s long-term goals in providing comprehensive services to the community.
According to Lucas DeVicente, the chair of the search committee, Bucher was the clear choice during their national search for a new CEO. Her extensive experience and strong commitment to youth development and social responsibility were highlighted as key factors in her selection, ensuring that she is well-equipped to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Before joining the YMCA, Bucher worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families, an experience that further enriched her understanding of community needs and public service. This background lays a solid foundation as she embarks on her leadership journey at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.
As the YMCA prepares for this transition in leadership, members and community stakeholders look forward to Bucher’s leadership and vision, which promises to enhance the organization’s role in promoting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility in St. Petersburg.
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Additional Resources
- TBBW Magazine: YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg New CEO
- Wikipedia: YMCA
- St. Pete Catalyst: Next YMCA CEO Chosen
- Google Search: YMCA Greater St. Petersburg
- TBBW Magazine: USF Sarasota-Manatee Ribbon Cutting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership
- TBBW Magazine: YMCA Names Bill Tapp Board Member Emeritus
- Google News: YMCA Leadership
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
