News Summary
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg welcomes Nicci Bucher as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding David Jezek after his 17-year tenure. Bucher, currently COO of the YMCA of Central Florida, has 20 years of experience within the organization and aims to enhance community engagement and collaborations. Her initiatives will include expanding early learning programs and developing partnerships in the healthcare sector, continuing the YMCA’s mission of youth development and social responsibility.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has announced the appointment of Nicci Bucher as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Bucher is set to begin her role in November 2023, succeeding David Jezek, who has led the organization for 17 years and plans to retire by the end of 2025.
Bucher currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Central Florida, a position she has held since July 2023. Her extensive experience spans over 20 years within the YMCA organization, during which she has overseen operations across 14 family centers, four early learning centers, and 30 before-and-after school locations. In her previous role, she also managed the Learning Centers at Walt Disney World Resort, which offer developmental programs for children aged six weeks to 12 years.
The transition to Bucher’s leadership comes after Jezek announced his retirement in March. He is expected to exit his position at the conclusion of 2025. The search committee for his successor, led by chair Lucas DeVicente, conducted a national search and selected Bucher as the top candidate for the position, noting her exemplary qualifications and vision for the organization.
Vision and Goals
Bucher has expressed her enthusiasm for the early learning initiatives at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, which align with her previous projects. She recognizes the significance of community engagement and has indicated that being a visible leader is essential for delivering effective services to the community.
Partnerships and Projects
In her new role, Bucher plans to develop partnerships within the healthcare sector and collaborate with other nonprofits to enhance outreach efforts in the region. Her administration is expected to focus on ongoing projects, including the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy expansion and the renovation of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA.
Commitment to Community
Bucher aims to further the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Her previous work with the Florida Department of Children and Families has equipped her with valuable insights into community needs, which she intends to address through dynamic programming and outreach.
Background on the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is widely recognized for its efforts in promoting youth mentorship, education, and health equity. As Bucher prepares for her transition, stakeholders and community members look forward to her leadership in continuing to build on existing initiatives and exploring new opportunities for regional economic development.
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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.
