YMCA Of Metropolitan Los Angeles Announces Hollywood YMCA's New Executive Director & Chairman Of Board Of Managers

LOS ANGELES, July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles proudly announces Michael Foley as the new Executive Director of its Hollywood YMCA, and Brian Altounian as the branch's new Chairman of Board of Managers.  Formerly known as the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA, the Hollywood YMCA has been an integral part of the area for over a century.  Focusing its efforts on offering programs that support youth, adults, families and seniors, the permanent name change exemplifies the Y's everlasting dedication to the Hollywood community.

With extensive background and experience serving in the nonprofit community, including various YMCA Associations, Foley will assume his new position as Executive Director on July 20, 2015, and will implement innovative strategies to uphold and strengthen the branch's longstanding Hollywood community relations and outreach.  He will also cultivate new business, philanthropic and civic partnerships, manage the branch's every day operations and team members, and oversee branch fundraisers such as the "Comedy For A Cause" and "Hollywood Sign Run" annual events.

Foley began his career as a Senior Program Director for the LA Y's Westside Family YMCA, and went on to assume various executive roles at three different YMCA Associations.  Most recently, he served as the Chief Executive Officer at a Santa Barbara homeless center where he established volunteer and culinary arts training programs as well as quadrupled the number of people who received housing over a five year period.  

"We are thrilled to have Michael rejoin the LA Y," said Ruben Corona, Senior Vice President of Operations, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.  "As a leader who already understands our mission and culture, I'm confident Michael will bolster the Y's connection with the Hollywood community.  His proven ability to increase philanthropic support, create new collaborations, and build strong and creative teams will undoubtedly help our Hollywood Y grow and succeed."

Among the branch's exciting changes, Brian Altounian was elected its new Chairman of Board of Managers on March 25, 2015.  A Member of the Hollywood Board since 2009, Altounian has spent the past four years serving as Chairman of the Financial Development Committee where he oversaw the Board's fundraising efforts.  Currently CEO of WOWIO, Inc., a digital media company, Altounian is also the Chair of the Hollywood YMCA's "Comedy for a Cause" fundraising event, which is held annually at the "World Famous Laugh Factory" in Hollywood.

"We are very happy to have Brian at the helm of our Board," said Corona. "He brings an energy and spirit to our organization and to the community that is perfectly suited for the challenges ahead as increase our presence in Hollywood, a community that expands beyond its geographic borders."

The Hollywood YMCA has stood as a safe haven for families and individuals in the Hollywood community for over 100 years.  One of the branch's most notable programs, "A Brighter Future," provides homeless single women and mothers in Hollywood with a safe place to stay while they receive tools needed to help them obtain and maintain permanent housing.  Such aide includes case management, a job-readiness and life skills workshop, and services to meet every participant's physical and mental health needs.

In an effort to assist the Hollywood community in getting healthier and more active, the LA Y is waiving the Joining Fee for new Members every Wednesday this July.  This special promotion offers a savings of up to $50 for new Hollywood Y Members, and accompanies a recent price drop for family, adult and teen membership rates.  With free childcare, full access to all 26 locations, and a wide range of programs and services, including swimming and more than 90 Group Exercise options, the LA Y is more accessible than ever to more of its neighbors.   

For more information, please contact Brianne Sheldon at [email protected] or 213-351-2224.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD YMCA
Hollywood YMCA is one of 26 branches of YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that serves more than a quarter million families each year. Welcoming individuals of all ages, faiths and backgrounds, the Y is committed to nurturing everyone's potential in spirit, mind and body. No one is turned away due to the inability to pay. Through programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Hollywood YMCA inspires its community to learn, grow and thrive. For more information about Hollywood YMCA, visit www.ymcaLA.org/hollywood.  

SOURCE YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

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