Press release from YWCA of Asheville and Western North Carolina:
Last week, Beth Maczka announced that she will be stepping down from her role as CEO of YWCA, effective May 2019. In response, the YWCA Board of Directors will host two Community Listening Sessions on Tuesday, February 12th to gather input from the Asheville community as they formulate a hiring plan for the next CEO and recruit new Board members.
YWCA Board Chair Leslie Fay expressed appreciation for Maczka’s leadership and the work of the entire YWCA team during Maczka’s tenure, citing accomplishments like increased childcare programming, significant facility renovations, and an expanded leadership role in state-wide racial justice advocacy work. Previous to her role at YWCA, Maczka served in leadership roles at Self-Help Credit Union, the Affordable Housing Coalition, Pisgah Legal Services and the Community Foundation of WNC. Maczka noted, “as the YWCA approaches its 112th anniversary and I approach my 7th, it is time to pass the baton to the next leader. A wise woman recently told me that our work is neither a marathon nor a sprint, as it is often portrayed, but a relay where each person does their part when it is their turn.”
In order to guide their selection process, the Board of Directors is reaching out to the community for input at two Community Listening Sessions to take place on Tuesday, February 12th in the YWCA Multipurpose Room from 3-4 pm and again from 6-7 pm. The Listening Sessions will be facilitated by Aisha Adams of Aisha Adams Media, and childcare, light refreshments, and Spanish language interpretation will be provided. The Board is seeking input on the values and qualities needed in both a new CEO and new members of the Board of Directors.
In alignment with their mission and their commitment to recruiting members who are truly representative of the Asheville community, the YWCA Board of Directors recently passed a policy to pay a stipend of up to $1,000 per year to board members who otherwise might have barriers to Board service and participation. Up to eight new Board members will be selected for a 3 year term which will begin July 2019. The mission of the YWCA is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
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