About the Y

  • YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. HEALTHY LIVING: Improving the nation's health and well-being. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

  • Our Mission And Core Values

    To instill values and provide opportunities for lifelong personal growth and the development of a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

    Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility

    VISIT OUR SUPPORT THE Y PAGE TO DONATE TODAY

  • Leadership

    Joe ManzoliJoseph W. Manzoli Jr.  |  Chief Executive Officer  |  jmanzoli@nmymca.org

    After more than ten summers singing songs at a YMCA camp, Joe Manzoli began his professional career with the Y in 1999 as County Program Director at the Cheshire County YMCA in Keene, NH. In 2004, he joined the YMCA of Greater Boston as Associate Executive Director of the Waltham Family Branch, and later served as Executive Director of the Dorchester Branch, before New Hampshire came calling once again.

    Joe joined the YMCA of Greater Nashua in 2008 as Executive Director of the Nashua Branch, and a year later became Chief Operating Officer, a role he held for more than 17 years. During that time he helped the organization grow to more than triple the organization’s budget and impact, created innovative programs that foster achievement, relationships, and belonging for kids and adults across southern New Hampshire, and built a team of dedicated and creative leaders. On September 1, 2026, Joe became the Y’s President and CEO, guiding the organization toward a more connected community. He believes passionately that the Y is uniquely positioned to bring genuine human connection to everyone in it.

    Joe holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in Sociology and Business Administration from the University of Richmond. Residing in Hudson, NH, Joe and his wife have three adult daughters and lovely dog, Lulu. And he’s still singing his camp songs, though mostly for the dog now.

    Cindy McNickleCindy McNickle | Chief Financial Officer | cmcnickle@nmymca.org

    Cynthia (Cindy) McNickle, CPA, MBA, joined the YMCA in October 2020, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this position, she oversees and manage all financial matters, investments and information systems including giving direction and leadership for YMCA business operations and strategic initiatives.

    Prior to joining the Y, Ms. McNickle served as Finance Director for the Hudson (NH) School District and held a variety of senior level finance and accounting positions in the high tech industry and for defense contractors. She earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut.

    Cindy has lived in Nashua since 2013. She fondly shares that after growing up as a ‘USAF brat’, she calls New England her home. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and golfing with her husband, Patrick. She’s also an avid reader. Cindy’s volunteer interests include volunteering to serve as an advocate for abused and neglected children in the New Hampshire court system as a Guardian Ad Litem for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Other past volunteer roles include many years with the Greater Hartford Jaycees and in various roles with the Cromwell Children’s Home, the American Red Cross and the Delta Gamma Fraternity.

    Jennifer ColangeloJennifer Colangelo | Chief Human Resources Officer | jcolangelo@nmymca.org

    Jennifer Colangelo has been a valuable member of our YMCA since April 2019, and she now serves as our Chief Human Resource Officer. In this role, Jennifer leads the alignment of HR strategies with our broader business goals. Her dedication to creating a positive work environment and strengthening workplace relationships is evident in her work. She is committed to employee well-being and organizational effectiveness, continually spearheading initiatives that support both our team’s growth and our company’s mission.

    Originally from Connecticut, Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut State University. With extensive experience in Human Resource Management, she has held HR positions at Fidelity Investments and Wilmott & Associates. Jennifer is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Manchester Area Human Resources Association (MAHRA), and the Greater Nashua Human Resources Association.

    Outside of her professional life, Jennifer is passionate about her faith, family, and friends. She resides in Manchester, NH, with her husband, daughter, and their dog. Jennifer enjoys spending time outdoors, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She also contributes to her community as a Board Member for Light of Life Ministries in Manchester and is actively involved in her local church.

    Karen Meyer

    Karen Meyer  |  Chief Experience Officer  |  kmeyer@nmymca.org

    With over 25 years of software industry experience, Karen has dedicated her career to building a customer-focused culture where great products and exceptional service go hand-in-hand. As Chief Experience Officer, she is thrilled to bring this background in client success to the YMCA, ensuring the organization amplifies its members’ voices and delivers excellence at every step of their journey together for lifelong belonging.

    Service has been Karen’s calling since the fourth grade. Guided by the mantra, “Give all you can and then give a little more,” she has served on the Nashua Youth Soccer League board and co-founded the youth travel program to create affordable pathways for local children. Her volunteer heart also belongs to the United Way, the Merrimack Valley Hawks FC, and serving as a lector at Immaculate Conception Parish.

    A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumna, Karen resides in Hudson, NH with her husband, Steve, and son, Nick. Their family is deeply united by a shared passion for athletics and service; whether on the pitch or volunteering for food drives, they believe in the power of showing up for their neighbors. Karen believes there is no better place in Southern New Hampshire to positively impact lives than the Y.

    Lynne BoyerLynne Boyer  |  Vice President Community Impact | lboyer@nmymca.org

    Lynne began her Y career in the summer of 1998 as a Drama Counselor at Camp Sargent. She quickly expanded into part-time roles as a Dance Teacher and After-School Counselor. A few years later, she was selected to launch a full-time dance program, becoming the Y’s first Arts and Humanities Director—a title she proudly held for 15 years.

    As her passion for serving children and families grew, Lynne took on additional leadership responsibilities, including Executive Director roles overseeing Community Outreach, Y Academy, and Aquatics programs. Today, she serves as Vice President of Community Impact, working closely with community partners and volunteers while advancing evidence-based health initiatives and marketing efforts.

    After more than two decades in operational leadership, Lynne is excited to step into a role that not only shares the Y’s impact but also supports the dedicated teams delivering it every day.

    In her spare time, Lynne enjoys spending time with her grown children, working behind the camera, and choreographing local theater productions.

    Carlisa ChoateCarlisa Choate |  Vice President Youth Development and Achievement | cchoate@nmymca.org

    Carlisa began her career with a passion for youth development and education, and over the years has become an integral part of program leadership and operations. Through her work, she has supported staff, strengthened programming, and helped create engaging, high-quality experiences for children and families.

    Carlisa is deeply committed to building strong teams and fostering environments where both staff and participants can thrive. When she’s not working, Carlisa enjoys spending time with family relaxing when she can and finding moments of joy outside of her busy schedule. There is nothing more important to her than meaningful connections and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

    Robin DucharmeRobin Ducharme  |  Vice President Program Innovation and Quality | rducharme@nmymca.org

    Robin Ducharme joined us in April 2026 as Vice President of Program Innovation and Quality, bringing nearly two decades of experience in health, wellness, and amenity-based program management. She is passionate about elevating program quality, building high-performing teams, and creating innovative experiences that strengthen communities. Growing up in the North Carolina YMCA, Robin is deeply connected to the Y’s mission and is committed to developing programs that support the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.

    Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a concentration in Fitness Management and Exercise Science, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. She has a strong ability to build programs from the ground up, lead organizational change, and develop staff into confident leaders. Known for her forward-thinking approach, Robin excels at creating pathways where none previously existed—designing and implementing thoughtful, strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals while prioritizing staff development and operational excellence.

    Outside of her professional work, Robin is passionate about bodybuilding, baking the perfect scone, lifelong learning, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Sport Management. She lives in Nashua, New Hampshire, with her husband, son, and their dog, Rocky Balboa.

    Michelle Beeny |  Vice President of Philanthropy| mbeeny@nmymca.org

    Michelle Beeny joined us in August 2026 as Vice President of Philanthropy, with a strong and proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, including her tenure as Director of Development at Gateways Community Services in Nashua, where she partnered closely with the President and CEO to grow philanthropic revenue by 40% over two years, secured multiple five- and six-figure gifts, and led annual campaigns, special events, and board engagement efforts.

    Michelle is dedicated to building meaningful community impact through strategic fundraising, relationship building, and mission-driven storytelling.  Her experience in nonprofit development, grants management, special events, and marketing communications supports her commitment to advancing Y programs that strengthen communities and improve lives through collaboration, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership.

  • Board of Directors

    The YMCA of Greater Nashua is a not-for-profit community service organization which has no private owners or stockholders. The Y is governed by a board of community volunteers, who represent the Y’s service area.

    OFFICERS

    Jack Olson, YMCA of Greater NashuaJohn (Jack) Olson, CVO
    Texas Instruments, Inc.
    VP and General Manager (Retired)

     

    Rob Prunier, YMCA of Greater NashuaRob Prunier, Vice Chair
    Harvey Construction
    Executive Vice President

     

    Deborah Novotny, Board of Directors SecretaryDeborah Novotny, Treasurer
    Enterprise Bank
    Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending

     

    Kyle Morse, YMCA of Greater NashuaKyle Morse, Secretary
    Benchmark Human Services
    State Director

     

    Andy Whigham, YMCA of Greater NashuaAndy Whigham, Immediate Past CVO
    Edward Jones
    Financial Advisor

     


    BOARD MEMBERS

    Patty Burns, YMCA of Greater NashuaPatty Burns
    Centerline Biomedical
    Senior Vice President

     

    Charles Dobens, YMCA of Greater NashuaCharles T. Dobens
    Dobens Law, LLC
    Attorney at Law

     

    Gregg Gordon, YMCA of Greater NashuaGregg Gordon
    UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)
    Group Vice President, Business Development

     

    Marnie Gordon, YMCA of Greater NashuaMarnie Gordon
    First Advantage
    Enterprise Sales Executive

     

    Alix Gray, YMCA of Greater Nashua

    Alix Raspé Gray
    Dartmouth College
    Professor of Harp

     

    Erik Gray, YMCA of Greater NashuaErik Gray
    Department of Veteran’s Affairs
    Marriage and Family Therapist

     

    Martha Hart, YMCA of Greater NashuaMartha Hart
    Protective Life and Annuity
    Vice President, National Sales Manager

     

    Rebecca Sartor, YMCA of Greater NashuaRebecca Sartor
    LifeStance Health
    Senior Operations Director

     

    Julie Simek, YMCA of Greater NashuaJulie Simek
    BAE Systems
    Finance Manager

     

    Amir Toosi, YMCA of Greater NashuaAmir Toosi
    Rivier University
    Dean of Business and Security Studies

     

    Rosemery Torres, YMCA of Greater NashuaRosmery Torres
    Purple Finch Properties
    Realtor

     

    Laura Uribe, YMCA of Greater NashuaLaura Uribe
    Wave Life Sciences
    Senior Raw Material Planner

     

    Susan Whittemore, YMCA of Greater NashuaSusan B. Whittemore
    Tax.com / Ryan LLC
    Vice President, Revenue Operations

     

    Shannon Levesque, YMCA of Greater NashuaShannon Levesque
    Southern NH Health
    SVP, Chief People Officer

     

     

    Zachary Gessner, YMCA of Greater NashuaZachary Gessner
    Rivier University
    Student

     

    Jennifer Gureckis
    Berry Dunn
    Senior Manager

     

     

    Anna O’Herren
    Walgreens
    Retired, Director, Pharmacy & Retail Operations

     

  • Board of Trustees

    The YMCA of Greater Nashua instituted a corporate Board of Trustees in early 2013. These are members of our community who have over the years been connected to the Y in various capacities: former Board of Directors members; volunteers; and supporters. This volunteer board is a way to reconnect these Y supporters in a deeper way and to keep their institutional history and knowledge within the organization.

    “As Trustees, these volunteers will be in the inner circle to hear what our strategic plan and visions is guiding us to do, and to hear and weigh in our expansion / renovation plans, and ultimately see how the YMCA of Greater Nashua impacts the lives of so many members of our community. As advocates for this Y, Trustees have the power to share our good work and I want you to hear the message directly and to utilize you as advisors and as a resource,” said CEO Mike LaChance.

    OFFICERS

    Andrea Rily Arnesen, Chair
    Jen Melker, Vice-Chair


    TRUSTEE MEMBERS

    Andrea Riley Arnesen
    Marsha Bottino
    John Callahan
    Denis Dancoes
    Greg Derderian
    Nelson Disco
    Dr. Rob Dorf
    Paul Edmunds
    Nicole Ennis
    Lydia Foley
    Peggy Gilmour
    Frank Grossman
    Morgan Hollis
    Cory Hussey
    Donna Karwoski
    Jim Leary
    Tom Long
    Dave Mahoney
    Tony Mandravelis
    Jen Melker
    John Mokas
    Anna O’Herren
    Camille Pattison
    JJ (James) Poirier
    Helen Principio
    Earl Prolman
    Ben Robinson
    Kyle Schneck
    Bob Shepard
    Joseph Thomas
    Tony Tremblay
    Tim Vadney
    Dr. Ken Weintraub

What is a Y?

A POSITIVE FORCE IN THIS COMMUNITY

YMCA stands for Young Men’s Christian Association, but don’t let the name misinterpret that YMCAs are only for “young Christian men”. While the organization was founded to provide alternatives to the “evils of society” for young men moving into London back in 1844, it is open to everyone (and has been for quite some time). In fact, last year your local YMCA served over 43,000 people in Greater Nashua. 31% of those served were under the age of 18,  and they are all representative of our community in terms of culture, religion, income level, age, and level of education.

The YMCA is a private not-for-profit organization governed by a local board of directors (volunteers) providing programs and services determined to meet the needs of individuals in local communities. Although the organization employs over 300 staff, it is still volunteer led and driven. Last year more than 300 individuals volunteered their time at the YMCA to serve others. The total value of the time donated by these individuals exceeded $232,000.

The YMCA of Greater Nashua operates four facilities (Nashua YMCA, Merrimack YMCA, Westwood Park YMCA, and YMCA Camp Sargent). The primary program and service areas are Child Care, Summer Camp, Youth Sports, Teen Leadership, Health & Wellness, Aquatics, Dance and the Arts.

The YMCA of Greater Nashua offers hundreds of different programs to serve our local communities. We also offer a financial aid program, Y Cares, which allows individuals and families the ability to belong and participate in any Y program for a fee – based on their income level and family size. Last year, Y Cares benefited hundreds of deserving individuals and families with over $947,000 in support. Financial assistance allows a single parent to send their child to a quality child care or camping program while they work to support their family. Financial assistance provides a senior woman, living on social security, to participate in a water exercise program to relieve her arthritis, and gives a teen the opportunity to come to the Y every day to play basketball instead of being on the streets after school.

Learn more about our impact in the Greater Nashua community in our 2025 Impact Report!

Collectively, the nation’s more than 2,650 YMCAs are the largest not-for profit community service organization, the largest provider of child care (nearly 10,000 child care sites serving more than 500,000 children), the largest operator of swimming pools, and the largest employer of teens in the US. Last year more than 11 million people were members of a local YMCA in the USA.

YMCAs are in over 120 countries across the globe, in some countries they are the school to educate the children, in others they are there to train workers in jobs relevant to that region to work side by side while the children play and learn together in peace.

Just what is a YMCA – your YMCA? The Y is a positive force in this community. Everything the Y does is in service of making us – as individuals and a community – better. This impact can be seen in the lives we touch throughout the year.

 

 

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