Vice Admiral William French To Retire As President And CEO Of The Armed Services YMCA After More Than 11 Years In Leading The Organization

French will remain in his role until a successor is named to ensure a smooth transition

WOODBRIDGE, Va., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Armed Services YMCA, the oldest military support organization in the United States, today announces that Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), will retire after more than 11 years as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Admiral French will remain in his role while the Board of Directors conducts a search for his successor, ensuring continuity of leadership and an orderly transition for the organization, its staff, and the military families it serves.

Under Admiral French's leadership, the Armed Services YMCA has expanded its reach and deepened its impact in supporting junior enlisted military families nationwide. During his tenure, the organization's impact has grown in many ways: distributing millions of pounds of food to military families via pantries and meal giveaways; increasing the number of Childcare Development Centers and opportunities to offer various early education, affordable child care, and camp programming; and increasing the number of Children's Waiting Room locations, an offering for free child care while military parents attend medical appointments. Programs such as Operation Ride Home and Operation Holiday Joy also grew significantly during his leadership, helping thousands of service members travel home for the holidays and ensuring military children receive food, toys, and holiday joy each year.

"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead this organization and to serve alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and partners who show up every day for our military families," said Admiral French. "The Armed Services YMCA mission has never been more important, and I have every confidence in the strength of this team and the generosity of our partners to continue its growth and success."

French retired in October 2014 as a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy after 35 years of service. He spent most of his career going to sea in submarines to include command of the USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN-716), and command of a submarine squadron. As a Flag Officer, he served in three Regional Commander assignments: in the Northwest, the Southwest and in Guam. His last assignment was as Commander, Navy Installations Command, where he was responsible for the Navy's 72 bases with oversight of all Navy shore support operations worldwide.

"Admiral French took the Armed Services YMCA to new heights allowing the organization to reach so many military families," said Chairman of the Armed Services YMCA's National Board of Directors Maj. Gen. Bob Whittle, USA (Ret.), "We look forward to taking the time to find the right successor and ensuring a smooth transition for all."

The Armed Services YMCA Board of Directors has begun a national search for the organization's next President and CEO and the details are located on the website at: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/armed-services-ymca/

For more information contact Venessa King at Nardi Media, (323) 419-3349, [email protected]

ABOUT ARMED SERVICES YMCA: Military life demands daily sacrifices that most people cannot imagine, from long separations and relocations to the willingness to give one's life without hesitation. For 165 years, the Armed Services YMCA has been easing everyday life for military families carrying the quiet weight of service. As an extended family for military families, we provide financial relief, affordable childcare, and a life-changing community of support, especially for those who are earliest in their careers, raising children on the tightest budgets. With the goal of making our services available at every base and installation across the United States, we will ensure more military families have the stability and support they need to thrive, everywhere they serve. Learn more and support our troops at www.asymca.org.

SOURCE Armed Services YMCA