Congratulations to Dr. Andrea Hendricks, the new Chief Volunteer Officer of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Board of Directors. Special thanks to outgoing Chief Volunteer Officer Dr. Michelle Robin for her heartfelt service.
Both leaders were recognized at our Annual Board Meeting on May 21, along with outgoing Board Members Mitzi Cardenas, Craig Gaffney, John Passanisi and CiCi Rojas.
Dr. Andrea Hendricks
Chief Volunteer Officer, 2025-2027
For Dr. Hendricks, it’s all about championing healthy living, fostering social responsibility, and leading with purpose—driving wellness and strengthening our community ties. Her core mission? Making a meaningful difference that inspires others to do the same.
Bringing over 25 years of strategic leadership in Human Resources, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Hendricks is a proven catalyst for positive change. Currently, as Chief Inclusion Officer at Tico Productions LLC | Tico Sports and Authentico—a multicultural marketing agency—she’s worked with organizations nationwide to cultivate inclusive cultures and authentic leadership.
“We’re going to make a difference one by one, and we’re going to make a difference collectively,” Dr. Hendricks said. “ I look forward to the future.”
Dr. Michelle Robin
Chief Volunteer Officer, 2023-2025
Dr. Robin has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2014, and served as Chief Volunteer Officer for the past two years. From leading the 2023 CEO Search Committee to launching the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, her strategic vision has positioned the YMCA for continued success.
Her leadership helped rebuild and reconnect our organization post pandemic, making it stronger and more inclusive. With a focus on Board engagement and development, she brought new energy and diversity and attracted eight outstanding new Board members.
As founder of Your Wellness Connection, Small Changes Big Shifts®, Big Shifts Foundation®, and the Kansas City Wellness Consortium, she brought her passion for holistic health to her Board leadership role. She said fell in love with the Ys three pillars of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
“My challenge to all of us as we continue to bring the Y movement forward for the next 165 years of impact is that we really live the pillars in our own lives, in our own families, in our own businesses, so that we truly can make the change that we have the capability to make,” Dr. Robin said.
Thanks to Our Outgoing Board Members
The following outgoing Board Members were recognized at the Board’s Annual Meeting. We are grateful for their impact. Their dedication to strengthening our community is inspiring.
Mitzi Cardenas
From 2014 to 2025, Mitzi has been a steady force for good, leading key initiatives like the development of the University Health KC Community Care Linwood clinic—a groundbreaking partnership that brings integrated health and YMCA programs to underserved neighborhoods. Her dedication to wellness, youth development, and community impact has truly made a difference.
Craig Gaffney
From 2020-2025, Craig has been a true philanthropic ninja—driving philanthropy, strengthening financial health, and supporting crucial initiatives like the Ball Family Providence YMCA capital campaign. His strategic leadership on the Board and committees has made a lasting impact on our community.
John Passanisi
Over 13 years, John’s leadership has been instrumental—serving as Treasurer, chairing the Audit & Finance Committee, and guiding the organization through times of change. His dedication extended during the pandemic, and his service on key search committees helped shape the YMCA’s future. Honored with the Henry M. Beardsley Award, John’s unwavering commitment and guidance have left a lasting legacy.
CiCi Rojas
Since 2013, CiCi has been a transformative leader at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, serving as Chief Volunteer Officer and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2022, she made history as the first Hispanic/Latino woman to become Chair of the YMCA of the USA National Board—and was also elected Treasurer of the World YMCA, making a global impact.
