The Akron Area YMCA's leader, Jill Kolesar, announced on Oct. 28 her plans to retire in June 2026.

Kolesar became president and CEO in 2016. She was the first woman to hold that title in the YMCA's 155-year history.

Kolesar has been with the organization for 38 years. She began her service as a volunteer at the Riverfront YMCA in Cuyahoga Falls.

Under her leadership, the YMCA launched 24/7 operations, weathered the challenges of the COVID shutdown and surpassed pre-COVID membership benchmarks across six branches in Summit and Medina counties, the YMCA said in a statement.

Her tenure has also seen significant capital improvements at Camp Y-Noah, enhancements to early care and education centers and strategic partnerships with key community organizations, including Summit County courts, t

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