YMCA Auckland Appoints First Female President 

After 155 years in Auckland, the YMCA has appointed its first female President, Katheren Leitner. She takes over the role at a very dynamic time in the organisation’s history; with the appointment of new CEO Peter Fergusson and the formation of the super city.    With a 20 year history in the New Zealand health and fitness industry, six years with Youth Develop and vast corporate experience, Leitner will bring creative energy and fresh perspective to the role of President.

“Leitner is a strong fit with the YMCA, an organisation that, since its inception, has been a leader, a developer of character and community and a boundary breaker,” says Peter Fergusson, CEO for YMCA Auckland. “With an extensive background in training, coaching and leadership, much of Leitner’s key skill lies in developing and facilitating best practice within organisations and their people.”

“It is a privilege to be the first female President, “says Leitner.  Whilst there is a need for more women in the boardroom, diversity, be it by age, gender, race or religious orientation is as important for the long term success of organisations.  Diversity provides a wider perspective; it brings different thought processes and has the ability to accelerate progress if harnessed wisely. 

“Having worked with organisations focused on embracing the diversity now prevalent in New Zealand the results are exciting.”   

In addition to supporting and working alongside the YMCA’s new CEO and chairing effective board meetings, Leitner has a strong vision for the organisation in 2011.

“I would like to see 50% more Aucklanders aware of what we do. As parents or grandparents drop their children off to our swimming schools, holiday camps or after school care our environment inspires them to come in with their children and get active also,” says Leitner. “Imagine four generations next to each other on rowing machines – it happens at the Y and that’s what makes us truly unique in the industry.”

Leitner also has plans to see the YMCA’s youth programme ‘Raise-Up N Represent’ sustainably funded and acting in an advisory capacity on youth matters at a local and national level. “We aim to see our Youth Council invited into Council Chambers to share their wisdom on problems too complex for old heads alone to solve – uninspired youth.”

Leitner is excited by the huge opportunity the Auckland Y has to influence wellness across the region. “No other organisation can boast the fact that they have facilitated strong kids, strong families and strong communities for 155 years, she explains. “Of the seven or eight companies that defined Auckland’s (and New Zealand's) landscape, only the Auckland YMCA and Smith & Caughey’s maintain the same ownership status as they did in the late 1800s – so that is saying something. As society looks for opportunities to once again find community, the Auckland Y can provide a wonderful, safe, nurturing environment for every age group.”