KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene Family YMCA has announced the appointment of Christy Sterbenz Filby as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a nationwide search led by the Board of Directors. Filby will officially assume the role on June 2.

Filby brings 28 years of experience in the YMCA movement, most recently serving as Director of Public Policy and Statewide Initiatives at the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs, according to a news release. In that role, she was instrumental in strengthening YMCA partnerships, expanding funding, and advancing initiatives in youth development, health equity, and social impact. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Drake University and is recognized as a YMCA Organizational Leader.

“I am thrilled to join the Keene Family YMCA and collaborate with the staff, board of directors, and community members to uphold and strengthen the Y’s longstanding commitment to service,” Filby said in the release.

Elana Baron, Chair of the Keene Family YMCA Board of Directors, praised Filby’s selection, stating, “After an extensive search, Christy stood out as a dynamic leader with the vision, experience, and passion to propel our organization forward.”

Filby’s hiring follows a leadership transition that began in November when former CEO Dan Smith stepped down to become CEO of the Greater Burlington YMCA in Vermont. Smith had served as the Keene Y’s CEO since 2019. In the interim, Helene Mogridge, who previously led the Keene YMCA from 2012 until her retirement in 2019, was appointed to provide stability during the search process.

The Keene Family YMCA, located on Summit Road, has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century, offering programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.