FORT WALTON BEACH — The corporate board of directors for the YMCA of Florida’s Emerald Coast has announced that Thomas “Rudy” Wright is the organization’s interim president and chief executive officer.
“Mr. Wright is the ideal person to fill this role at this time,” Colleen Mahn, YMCA board chair, said. “Having served over 30 years in the United States Air Force and recently retiring as a major general, he has the right expertise directing operations of highly complex organizations. And, as the recipient of several national-level leadership awards for progressive management in achieving organizational excellence, we believe Mr. Wright has a proven record to provide an innovative path to the Y’s future.”
Wright succeeds Michael Rojas, the group's CEO since 2012.
The Fort Walton Beach native, who graduated from Choctawhatchee High School and Florida State University, said he anticipates the challenges.
“I am committed to the belief that increasing the number of healthy families is the primary way the Y can strengthen the foundations of each community we serve," he said. “This said, I foresee the requirement to expand upon initiatives of Mr. Rojas and revamp internal policies, adjust business practices and promote better utilization of our resources.
“Our immediate and future operations will not be business as usual as we adjust to meet the challenges facing our organization.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wright named YMCA Emerald Coast’s interim president and CEO