YMCA of the USA Names Neal Denton Sr. Vice President, Chief Government Affairs Officer

CHICAGO  , Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the 2,700 YMCAs in the United States, announces the hiring of Neal Denton as Sr. Vice President, Chief Government Affairs Officer, effective Oct. 15.

For the past four years, Denton has served as Sr. Vice President, Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the American National Red Cross, which federal policymakers rank as one of the nation's most successful nonprofit organizations at influencing policy decisions, according to a recent Independent Sector survey. In his new role, Denton will lead Y-USA's Washington, D.C.-based Government Relations and Policy Office, which directs the Y's federal, state and local advocacy.

"The Y is a leading voice on issues important to our cause of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility," said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. "We have made significant strides in our advocacy efforts, and we expect that Neal will continue to enhance the Y's standing among federal, state and local policymakers and government agencies. He is a wonderful addition to the Y."

A highly respected nonprofit executive, Denton has been named to the NonProfit Times' "Power and Influence Top 50" nine times. Among his many accomplishments with the Red Cross, Denton led efforts to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in appropriations from Congress for Red Cross Disaster Services and Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.

"I am thrilled to join the Y, an organization that is at the forefront of our nation's response to so many pressing social issues," Denton said. "YMCAs understand that partnering with policymakers can magnify the impact of solutions and help bring about tangible, positive change in people's lives. I look forward to representing the Y and all of the communities nationwide that it works to strengthen."

Before his current job with the Red Cross, Denton served the organization as Sr. Vice President, Service to the Armed Forces and Chief of Staff to the President. Prior to the Red Cross, he spent 20 years at the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, serving as Executive Director from 1993 to 2006. During his tenure he obtained passage of landmark postal legislation to preserve nonprofit mailing rates despite a near-total loss of $1 billion in annual legislative appropriations.

Denton began his career in Washington, D.C., in 1985 as a staff assistant for U.S. Rep. Dennis Eckart of Ohio. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of Ohio University.

About YMCA of the USA
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the Y, one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Contact:
Mamie Moore
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8418
[email protected]

SOURCE YMCA of the USA