The YMCA of Greater Kansas City today announced that the Board of Directors has unanimously selected John Mikos, former chief operating officer and acting interim president and CEO, to fill the role of chief executive officer. Mikos succeeds the previous CEO and President David Byrd, who accepted a new position with the YMCA of the USA in March.

CiCi Rojas, who leads the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Board of Directors as chief volunteer officer, said she is excited about the future of the Y in Kansas City under the leadership of Mikos. 

“John has led many progressive developments with the Y in Kansas City in his previous role, bringing focus to innovative integrated health programs, fostering the Y’s vision for our downtown core along with building great relationships with health and community partners across the region” said Rojas, who has served on the Board of Directors since 2013. “He’s passionate about the Y becoming an even greater presence to support our communities in the future.”

Chris Kurtz, current board member and past chief volunteer officer, was appointed by the board chair to lead the national search committee, partnering with the Y of the USA and Kansas City-based EFL Associates. “The Y is in a strong position and we were very thoughtful in our process to find the right person, at the right time to take us to the next step,” said Kurtz. 

Mikos started his career at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City as COO in December 2013, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience with YMCAs across the country. Prior to his role in Kansas City, he served as the chief operating officer for the YMCA of Western North Carolina in Asheville and for the YMCA of Greater Tulsa.

While in his positions in Kansas City, Mikos has been focused on developing a new strategic vision and sustainable viability of the Y’s mission to support youth development, health and wellness and social responsibility.

During his tenure, the Y broke ground on the new Kirk Family YMCA at the former Lyric Theatre building in November 2018, partnered with the community to expand and renew facilities including the Atchison Family YMCA/Cray Community Center and the Linwood Family YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center in 2017 and partnered with the city of North Kansas City to transform its facility into one of the area’s most vibrant community centers.

“I am incredibly excited to assume this new role and for the future of the Y in Kansas City,” Mikos said. “The Y provides so many opportunities to lift up, support and strengthen youth and families in our communities. I want to see our Y become an even greater collaborator, advocate, and leader throughout our entire region, helping to bridge the opportunity gap for all.”