Vermont Business Magazine After 29 years at the Greater Burlington YMCA, the last eight as President and CEO, Mary Burns is saying goodbye. With a move out of state, the Burlington native is closing one chapter in her life, while opening another. Burns’ departure has set in motion the process of searching for her replacement, which has started with Renee Bourget-Place, Chair of the Y’s Board of Directors, announcing the selection of Pam Mackenzie as the Y’s Interim CEO.
Mary Burns. linkedin photo
“Mary’s dedication to the Y has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Bourget-Place. “It is hard to imagine our Y without her. The mark she has made on our community will be felt for years to come,” Bourget-Place added.
Under Burns’ leadership, the Y has enjoyed financial strength; significantly expanded its role as a leader in the area of wellness after taking on the management of the six health self management programs within Vermont’s Blueprint for Health; and the Y’s stature as the largest and most experienced provider of early childhood education and child care in the state has been bolstered.
“It is hard to remember a time when the Y was not a part of my life,” Burns said. “The Y, through its staff, board, members, supporters and partners has always given me more than I could have possibly given it. My time at the Y has truly been a great blessing in my life,” Burns added.
Pam Mackenzie steps into the role of Interim CEO with years of experience as a community leader. She serves on the board of Vermont Public Television (former past Chair) and has previously served on the boards of the United Way of Chittenden County and Mercy Connections, the Economic Development and Education Committees of the Vermont Business Roundtable, and as a member of the Vermont Works for Women “Enough Said” Task Force. She has also served as chair of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority and the South Burlington City Council. Professionally, Mackenzie has held senior level positions in the telecommunications industry, including many years with Comcast Cable.
The process to select a permanent replacement for Burns will be led by Andrew Martin, Vice Chair of the Y’s Board of Directors. A committee comprised of representatives from the board, Y staff and the community is being formed to undertake that task.
“Mary has positioned our Y on the threshold of a new beginning,” Martin said. “Next year we will mark the 150thanniversary of the Greater Burlington YMCA. Our purchase of the former Ethan Allen Club property is the first step in our transformation from a strong community partner to an indispensable resource for years to come,” he added. “With the work Mary has accomplished, Pam’s appointment, and our commitment to selecting another strong leader to permanently fill the role of CEO, our Y is as strong as it has ever been in our history.”
Pam Mackenzie. VBM photo
“I am excited by the opportunity to lead an organization that is so vital to our community and our state,” said Mackenzie in accepting the position as Interim CEO. “While a job of this size and importance will always have its challenges, I know that I am stepping into this role with the benefit of the hard work accomplished by Mary and the support of the Y’s dedicated staff and its committed board of directors,” Mackenzie added.
About the Y
The Greater Burlington YMCA is a non-profit organization with a mission to build a strong community by involving youth, adults and families in programs and activities that develop spirit, mind and body. Last year, the Y awarded $572,000 in financial assistance so everyone could access the Y’s life-enriching programs regardless of ability to pay.