The YMCA of Florida's First Coast announced the appointment of Darryl Head as its next president and chief executive officer on March 2.

Head will join the association in early May, leading the First Coast YMCA’s work to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 

 Head succeeds Eric Mann, who served YMCAs across the country for more than 40 years, including 14 years as president and CEO of the First Coast YMCA. Committed to ensuring a seamless transition, Mann will retire at the end of June.

 “Darryl is a proven leader and faithful steward of the association’s values – dedicating his life to strengthening communities,” said Pam Smith, chair of the board of directors for the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. “Known for his visionary leadership, he is well-positioned to deepen the YMCA’s life-changing impact for children, families and communities across Northeast Florida.”

 Most recently, Head served as president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. He led a team of 1,425 employees across 14 branches and four corporate wellness centers located through an eight-county region, serving more than 78,000 members. Under his leadership, the association opened the transformative YMCA REACH Center in East Winston-Salem, launched major renovations at four branches, established a significant medical partnership, expanded into new communities and achieved record financial and fundraising performances.

 “I am so honored to join the First Coast YMCA and to become part of this vibrant and growing community,” Head said. “I look forward to building upon the association’s solid foundation and powerful legacy of service, by strengthening community partnerships, supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers and expanding opportunities for families who rely on the YMCA every day.”

Head will focus on amplifying the First Coast YMCA’s mission, which includes enhancing member engagement and positioning the organization for continued growth and long-term sustainability across Northeast Florida.

He will oversee all 17 First Coast locations, including the Dye Clay Family YMCA in Orange Park, Barco-Newton Family YMCA in Fleming Island and YMCA Camp Immokalee in Keystone Heights.

 Community involvement is a very important pillar to Head. Outside of his work with the YMCA, he is an avid runner and frequently trains for races with his running group. He has a strong passion for youth development as he often volunteers to coach youth sports teams, including basketball, football and soccer. In total, he has coached over 720 kids in the Winston-Salem area, creating relationships with families across the country. Head and his wife, Karin, have two children, Reed and Hayden.

 The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Metro Board of Directors selected Head after a thorough nationwide search conducted by a local search committee and in partnership with the YMCA of the USA.