Fielding becomes first woman CEO of North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook announced Kathy Fielding will serve as its first woman CEO, effective May 4.

She will succeed Howard Schultz, who has served as president and CEO for 13 years and will retire at the end of April.

Fielding was unanimously approved by the Y board of directors from more than 50 applicants. She currently serves as vice president of membership, programs, and marketing at the NSYMCA, a position she has held since 2017, and has over 8 years of experience rising through the ranks at the Y.

An NSYMCA employee since 2011, Fielding began her Y career as a front desk customer service representative. Her accomplishments extend from spearheading the "Two Seconds Too Long" drowning prevention program for children to the Enhance Fitness arthritis management class and Diabetes Prevention Program for adults, to growing summer camp program participation by almost 4000 units over the previous year.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree at Bradley University and holds a master's degree in education from Loyola University, Chicago.