Bertram L. Lawson II
The board of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine announced Monday the appointment of Bertram L. Lawson II as President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. Lawson will take office on Monday, July 10.
Lawson is a seasoned 24-year YMCA professional who most recently served as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Central New York, which boasts nine branches and more than thirty program sites in Central New York. Lawson previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for Mastery Charter Schools Network and Senior Vice President of Operations at the YMCA in Central Maryland.
“The YMCA board conducted a national search to identify the next individual to lead this association,” shares Donna Urian, YMCA of Greater Brandywine board chair and chief volunteer officer. “Bertram is a mission-driven leader and a passionate advocate for impacting lives and enhancing organizational culture. The committee was also impressed with his leadership and experience in the realm of DEI.”
“In his previous YMCA experience, Bertram created strategic partnerships to advance the organization’s mission and brand and we look forward to him doing the same here in Chester County.”
Lawson is a Philadelphia native who began his Y career at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, where he held numerous increasing roles including Vice President of Operations. He also established their DEI department.
He is an active volunteer, serving on numerous boards. His volunteer roles include serving on the Board of Trustees for Lincoln University, YMCA of the USA’s National Membership Standards Advisory Committee, as the immediate past chair for the YMCA of the USA’s African American Employee Relations Network (AARN) and as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – in addition to many others.
“We are most grateful for the hard work of the CEO search committee and of the many individuals who participated in the process. I hope that you will join me in welcoming Bertram to the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. We are looking forward to beginning this new phase of work under his leadership,” continues Urian.
Lawson succeeds Denise Day, the organization’s President and CEO for more than thirteen years, who retired in June 2023.
