Mark Hulet will serve as the next president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, beginning July 7. Hulet is the 11th chief executive officer to lead the local Y association since it was founded in 1860.
Hulet has served as interim president and CEO since January 1, 2023, following the departure of his successor John Mikos, who accepted the position of president and CEO of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee in Nashville.
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City Board of Directors announced the selection of Hulet following a nationwide search led by a Board-appointed committee. The committee worked with the YMCA of the USA CEO Search Team to identify candidates with the background, experience and skills to lead the YMCA of Greater Kansas City into its next phase of service and impact.
Hulet brings experience in all aspects of YMCA leadership, philanthropy, operations and support. He began his YMCA of Greater Kansas City career in 2000 as an executive director of a Y membership center, and has held various positions including chief operating officer, senior vice president of capital assets and risk, and vice president of membership.
“Mark is a servant leader with innovative energy and broad experience that will ensure the Y continues to be a relevant organization that strengthens the community and all those who live within it,” said Dr. Michelle Robin, chief volunteer officer of the Board of Directors and chair of the CEO search committee.
As interim president and CEO, Hulet successfully launched the current strategic plan to address organizational culture, operational excellence and sustainability as the Y recovers from the pandemic.
During the pandemic, Hulet led the reopening of Y centers and programs as chief operating officer, including mobilization of resources and programs to provide child care for essential workers, combat social isolation for older adults and support vaccine distribution throughout greater Kansas City.
Over the years, Hulet has provided operations and philanthropic leadership and established innovative partnerships. Projects have included partnerships for the Y to operate community centers in Platte County and North Kansas City, and bringing the University Health primary care clinic to the Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center. In addition, he led capital projects including the construction of the new Kirk Family YMCA in Downtown Kansas City, Mo., and the renovation of the Linwood and Atchison Y’s as part of the largest capital campaign in the Y’s history.
“It’s a privilege to serve as CEO for an organization that means so much to me personally and professionally,” Hulet said. “This is an exciting time for the Y as we implement our strategic plan and rebuild from the pandemic. I’m looking forward to finding innovative ways for the Y to ensure programs and services are available so all people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can reach their fullest potential.”
A longtime Kansas City resident, Mark has two sons, Keagan and Killian, and three grandchildren, Gracelynn, Raiden and Ruari.