Jon Lange Announces Retirement After More Than 40 Years of YMCA Service

After more than four decades of service to the YMCA, Jon Lange, our CEO of the Glacial Community YMCA, will retire at the end of October, concluding a career defined less by buildings and balance sheets than by relationships, leadership development and a deep belief in the YMCA’s mission. 

Jon began his YMCA journey in 1978 as a counselor at YMCA Camp Minikani. That first summer job ultimately became a professional calling. Over the next 40-plus years, he served the Milwaukee YMCA, Door County YMCA, Kettle Moraine YMCA, Missoula Family YMCA and, for the past 11 years, Glacial Community YMCA. 

“I started working for the YMCA as a job out of college, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that it was much more than a job,” Jon said. “It became a ministry—something worthy of dedicating my professional career to.” 

During his years leading Glacial Community YMCA, Jon helped guide significant growth in both the organization and its mission. Annual campaign contributions doubled during his tenure, while the YMCA’s endowment grew from $400,000 to $4.6 million. He also championed permanent endowment support for key leadership positions, with the goal of ensuring that the people and programs essential to the YMCA’s mission can continue for generations. 

But Jon points to people, rather than numbers, as the most meaningful measure of his career. 

“The greatest privilege has been working alongside an incredible team of staff and volunteers,” Jon said. “I’ve been blessed to be part of a ‘dynasty’ team of people who believed in the mission and were willing to do the work together. That’s what made all of this growth possible.” 

One of the signature accomplishments of Jon’s tenure was the development and opening of the Schultz Family YMCA in Watertown, made possible through a $19 million capital campaign. The new facility created a home for the YMCA’s programs and services while significantly expanding its reach in the community. 

As he prepares to retire, Jon is also helping launch the next chapter of the organization’s growth: a $10 million-plus capital campaign to expand and modernize the Roehl Family YMCA in Oconomowoc. The campaign also includes the elimination of organizational debt dating to the construction of the YMCA’s current building in 2003. 

Throughout his tenure, Jon placed particular emphasis on the YMCA’s Youth Development and Spiritual Development work, expanding opportunities for mission trips and service through programs such as Service Without Boundaries. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted virtually every aspect of community life, he worked with staff and volunteers to keep the YMCA focused on connection, service and its role in bringing people together. 

For Jon, that sense of connection has always been at the heart of the YMCA. 

“People often come to the Y because they have a physical goal,” he said. “But they soon realize there is so much more to full health and wellness. It’s about the healthy spirit, mind and body—and creating a place where people feel connected, supported and part of a community.” 

His personal approach to the YMCA’s mission can be summed up in a simple phrase: “love like Jesus loved.” 

That philosophy has also shaped Jon’s commitment to developing the next generation of YMCA leaders. Over his career, he has mentored numerous YMCA professionals who went on to become CEOs themselves, extending his influence well beyond the organizations he personally led. 

“I’ve always believed that leadership is about leaving things—and more importantly, people—better than you found them,” Jon said. “If I’ve had an impact, I hope it is that I helped people discover what they were capable of and gave them an opportunity to make a difference.” 

Richard Keddington, YMCA Board Chair, said Jon’s legacy will be measured in the people and relationships he leaves behind. 

“Jon’s impact on the Glacial Community YMCA goes far beyond the buildings, programs and numbers. He has invested in people, built strong relationships and developed leaders who will carry the mission forward,” Keddington said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the 11 years Jon has given to our Y and our community, and for the foundation he leaves for the future.” 

Jon said he is equally confident about what comes next as the organization marks a major milestone. 

“As we celebrate 100 years of serving our community and look forward to the next century, the team of leaders here is ready to keep that momentum going,” Jon said. “That’s what excites me about this Y— it’s in great hands. 

Jess Mieling, who has 20 years of YMCA leadership experience and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, will succeed him as CEO. 

As he begins retirement, Jon plans to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren while stewarding and restoring his 10 acres of land. He also looks forward to traveling in a teardrop camper, fly fishing, skiing and golfing. 

After more than 40 years, Jon leaves the YMCA with gratitude for the people who made the journey possible—and with confidence in the mission that first captured his heart more than four decades ago. 

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Jon said. “The YMCA has given me a life of purpose, wonderful friendships and the opportunity to serve communities I care deeply about. I’m grateful for every chapter, and I’m excited to see what this next chapter holds for the Y and for me.”