YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka appoints new chief executive officer

Jill Tettmann will be tasked with trying to revive the Simcoe/Muskoka YMCA.

Tettman has been hired on as the new chief executive officer, replacing Rob Armstrong who is retiring. She will assume the role effective Nov. 30 and work with Armstrong over a period of transition before he retires.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Y family, an organization that has long influenced the health and well-being of individuals and their communities,” said Tettman.

“At a time where we are most challenged, I am committed to work with the great team of staff, volunteers, members of the broader community to support the Y in its recovery and renewal.”

She steps into the role at . While YMCA facilities in Innisfil and Collingwood have recently reopened, the Midland facility remains closed. 

In September, Armstrong made deputations to municipal councils in the region and expressed the need for collaboration. The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has lost more than 50 per cent of its annual revenue and the financial impact of the shutdown caused by the pandemic is expected to exceed $1.5 million.

YMCA facilities in Barrie, Orillia and Parry Sound have closed permanently. Tettman will be tasked with keeping the Midland facility alive.

“We believe (Jill) brings the expertise and experience that our organization needs to not only weather the COVID-19 pandemic, but thrive in the coming years, so that we can continue to deliver our mandate to build healthy communities.”

Tettman was the chief executive of the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) from 2012 to 2019. Prior to joining the LHIN, she held roles with the Muskoka/Parry Sound District Health Council, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and Simcoe York and Northern Shores District Health Councils.

Armstrong’s hope was to reopen the facility in 2021. In order for that to happen, the Y needs a strong membership base.

Projections were calculated based on scenarios in which 20 per cent, 40 per cent and 50 per cent of the existing membership base returned. The best-case scenario shows the YMCA running a deficit of $216,000, while the worst-case scenario puts that deficit around $668,000.