Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Names New Chief Executive Officer

Print Story | Email Story

BECKET, Mass. — The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has named Amy Hurwitz Gutschenritter as its new chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1.

Selected by the board of trustees following a six month national search, Gutschenritter will be responsible for overseeing Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA's four programs: Camp Becket, Chimney Corners Camp, Travel and Service Programs, and the Berkshire Outdoor Center. Over the next year, Gutschenritter and her senior leadership team, along with the Board of Trustees, will develop an updated strategic plan and master site plan.

Gutschenritter served most recently as interim CEO; she was on the board for 16 years, including as chair of the Board of Trustees, at Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. She will be the first female CEO in BCCYMCA's 100-plus years of existence.

"During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates from across the country.  Amy Gutschenritter stood out. Her energy, dedication, and vision for the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA is exactly what we are looking for in a leader," Search Committee Chair Friday Abernethy said. "Amy's understanding of the organization is deep; she is an alumna, former summer staff member, co-chaired the successful Changing Lives Campaign, and she served on the Board of Trustees for 16 years, including as Board Chair. Additionally, Amy’s children, Libby and Matthew, have collectively spent over 25 summers at the BCCYMCA as participants and leaders."



With more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive at global financial institutions, Gutschenritter has served in leadership positions in strategy, client management, operations, technology and marketing/communications.

"I am honored to lead the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA," Gutschenritter said. "Like so many others, Becket-Chimney Corners has had a meaningful impact on my life and the lives of my children. It was important to me to give back as a Board member and I now look forward to leading the team as we chart the course forward to ensure our relevance and impact for generations to come."

A graduate of Tufts University, Gutschenritter also earned her MBA from Bentley University. She enjoyed a successful career in financial services, including as head of Global Client Relations for SIX Securities Services and senior vice president, Global Operations, at State Street. In addition to her volunteer leadership roles with Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Gutschenritter is currently on the Boston Advisory Board for the Posse Foundation.


Tags: YMCA,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Scenic Vistas, Open Spaces Central to Berkshire's Rural Character

By John TownesSpecial to iBerkshires
This is the first of a two-part series looking at types of land trusts, their missions and their place within the Berkshires.
 
Land is an essential resource for life. We all spend the vast majority of our lives directly connected to the land or in structures built on it. Land is also a central core of the global ecosystem that makes the earth sustainable for all lifeforms.
 
The landscape has special significance in the Berkshires. It is a central element in the region's scenic rural character and quality of life, as well an economic resource that is a basis of tourism.
 
Access to land, and control of its use, is largely based on ownership. This system enables people to own homes, build businesses, establish communities, and pursue other goals and activities.
 
However, the private use and control of land can also be a source of contention and conflict — from debates about development at local planning boards to international wars over territory.
 
Traditionally, local and regional planning policies and regulations such as zoning have been used to balance the concepts of private ownership with shared public goals and needs. In addition government ownership provides land for schools, roads, infrastructure, parks and nature preserves, and other public purposes.
 
In recent decades another form of land ownership and control has gained increasing visibility and prominence. This concept is often known as land trusts.
 
View Full Story

More Becket Stories