(Joplin, MO)— The Joplin Family Y has named Jeremy Bumgardner as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 15, 2026. Selected by the Y’s Board of Directors, following a four month search, Bumgardner will succeed Cookie Estrada who is retiring on April 17 after 42 years with YMCAs with 38 of those years at the Joplin Family Y. In his new role, Jeremy will be responsible for completing the Joplin Family Y refresh and remodel, increasing membership and family programming, as well as developing new initiatives to grow the Joplin Family Y.
“During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates from throughout the United States but Jeremy Bumgardner stood out among the rest. His energy and vision for the Joplin Family Y is exactly what we were looking for in a leader. With Jeremy’s experience in leading multiple YMCAs and his passion towards healthy living and community collaboration, we are convinced that the Joplin Family Y will have fantastic leadership for years to come,” stated Stephanie Brady, Joplin Family Y Board of Directors CEO Search Committee Chairperson.
”I am deeply honored to serve as the new President & CEO of the Joplin Family YMCA. Since 1891, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of the Joplin community—a place where youth development, healthy living and social responsibility intersect. We work side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the resources and the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Jeremy Bumgardner.
Jeremy comes to the Y with 22 years of experience in the non-profit world, currently serving at the Cain Center YMCA in Athens, Texas where he serves as the Executive Director. While there, Jeremy has successfully converted the facility to a 24 hour gym, increasing membership and community visibility. Jeremy has also grown their annual campaign by 58% in one year. Prior to the Cain Center YMCA, Jeremy has worked for additional YMCAs in Missouri and Florida. Jeremy holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State University and a Masters degree in Sports Management from Missouri Baptist University.
The Board of the Joplin Family Y is thankful for the years of service provided by Cookie Estrada and we wish him the very best in his much-deserved retirement.
About the Joplin Family Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net
Reference:
Stephanie Brady
Joplin Family Y
417.850.1387
stephanie@joplinclinic.org
Tyson Hagale, Board Pres.
Joplin Family Y
417.540.4396
tyson.hagale@leggett.com
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