Next CEO Announced

We are excited to share that Jess Mieling has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of the Glacial Community YMCA, effective October 12, 2026. Our Board of Directors selected Jess following a comprehensive national search that brought forward a strong pool of 56 applicants. Jess will succeed Jon Lange, who will retire at the end of October following 42 years of professional service with the YMCA, including 11 years as CEO of our association.

Jess brings 20 years of experience in YMCA leadership to the role. She currently serves as our Chief Operating Officer, where her leadership has strengthened both branches, elevated service delivery across the association, and deepened the Y’s ties to the communities we serve — work that has positioned the Glacial Community YMCA for the bold next chapter she will now lead as CEO.

“Our national search brought forward an impressive group of candidates, but Jess stood out among the finalists. Her energy and vision for the Glacial Community YMCA are exactly what we were looking for in a leader. With Jess’ successful leadership experience at multiple YMCAs, we are confident that the Glacial Community YMCA is in excellent hands for years to come,” said Richard Keddington, YMCA Board Chair.

As CEO, Jess will provide leadership for the Glacial Community YMCA, serving more than 22,000 members through its two branches: the Roehl Family YMCA in Oconomowoc and the Schultz Family YMCA in Watertown. She will lead the organization as it continues to provide programs and services that nurture the whole person — spirit, mind, and body — guided by the Y’s mission and inspired by the needs of the communities served.

Jess shared, “I am deeply honored to step into this role and lead an organization that has meant so much to me and to the communities we serve. My vision for the Glacial Community YMCA is rooted in the same Christian mission and values that have always defined who we are — because when we live those values out loud, everything else follows. I am excited to build on the momentum we have created together, to grow our reach and deepen our impact, and to keep showing up as a committed partner in solving our community’s greatest challenges together.”

Please join us in giving Jess a warm congratulations as we kick off this exciting next chapter together!