Networks Manager: Erica Halpern, NAYDO
When you activate your NAYDO Membership benefits, you can sign up for one or more of NAYDO’s 10 networks. Watch this explainer video to learn how to access your member benefits and networks.
For help signing up or changing your network choices, contact Kathy Meehan, NAYDO Database Specialist.
For the September 1, 2026-August 31, 2027, NAYDO year, each network will hold one or two virtual events that provide learning opportunities and a chance to meet fellow YMCA colleagues in similar roles. As events are finalized, year-round activities will be posted on the NAYDO homepage calendar.
Network members registered for the conference have additional networking, learning, and socializing opportunities. Each network will offer an in-person breakfast experience and a Friday, Round 6 Workshop, Hot Topics, or Philanthropy Forum.
International attendees are part of a Philanthropy Alliance group and will have an opening night gathering at a local YMCA.
Build skills, grow your career, and plug into peers doing similar work. You can be part of as many NAYDO Networks as you want.
Audience: YMCA staff (part-time or full-time) ages 21 to 35 by April 30, 2027
Cost: Included with conference registration
Deadline: January 29, 2027
Application: NAYDO Young Professionals Class of 2027 Application Form
Requirements: Written supervisor support; attendance at program sessions (Orientation, Hot Topics, Career Track Topics, Mentoring Session, Philanthropy Forum; dates & times TBD)
Benefits: Goal setting with supervisor, peer and mentor connections, recommended workshop plan, recognition at conference, and priority consideration for financial assistance
Leaders:
Questions: Mary Zoller, NAYDO Operations & Conference Director, info@naydo.org, 504 858 3379
Audience: Independent associations with annual budgets under $4M
Council Liaison: Trey Oakley | YMCA of Greater Spartanburg
Coordinator: Paul Andresen | NAYDO Alumni & Retiree Team
Network Team:
Shane Nelson | Plattsburgh YMCA
Amy Morgan | Hoerner YMCA
Sponsor: American City Bureau
Audience: YMCA staff and board members under age 40 by August 31, 2027
Leaders:
Team Members:
Garrett Johnson | YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
Taylor Walsh | Glacial Community YMCA
Brett Smith | YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
Caitlyn Balkcum | YMCA of the USA
Emily Green | YMCA of San Diego County
Courtney Weatherby-Hunter | YMCA of Florida's First Coast
Notes: Open to NAYDO members under 40 in staff or board roles.
Sponsor: C&A: Social Impact Consulting
Audience: If you are new to Y development within the last 3 years, this is the network for you! Connect with other new-ish development staff and unlock the keys to a Y culture of philanthropy.
NAYDO Council Liaison: Elizabeth Kearns | YMCA of Fredericton
Network Coordinator: Darlene Hepburn | YMCA BC
Team Members:
Michelle Aladich | YMCA of Central Stark County
Vicky Allen | YMCA of the Jersey Shore
Audience: COOs, District/Regional VPs, Branch Executives, Associate Executives, Center Directors, and other Operations staff
Council Liaison: Jude Dooley | YMCA of Greater Birmingham
Coordinator: Nathan Donald | YMCA of Greater Spartanburg
Team Member: Kim Jass-Ramirez | YMCA of Marshalltown, Iowa
Notes: This network is designed for operational leaders across the YMCA.
Sponsor: Operate Fit
Audience: Board members and fundraising volunteers
Network Council Liaison: Alfredo Velasco, YMCA of Greater Long Beach
VIP Network Chair: Mike Hood, VIP, YMCA of San Diego County
Host Y Coordinator: Tami Tobar, VIP, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
Team Members:
Andy Damore, VIP | YMCA of Saginaw
Angela Neblett, VIP | YMCA of Greater Chattanooga
Christiana Dominguez, VIP | YMCA of Superior, CaliforniaErica Bouris | YMCA of San Diego County
There are sessions at the conference for board members and volunteers only. And, take advantage of the virtual webinars for VIPs throughout the year.
Audience: Anyone with grant-related responsibilities - researching, writing, managing, reporting, etc. This team shares templates, resources, tips and much more.
Grants Network Council Liaison: Ali Hollenbeck, GPC | Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Grants Network Coordinator: Lauren Wilson | Williams YMCA of Avery County
Team Members:
John Galluzzo | Y Alumni
Kamilah Torres | Heart of the Valley YMCA
Sponsor: Grant Professionals Association
Audience: Program and Membership Directors and Staff
This is a great place for program and membership directors to learn more about Y philanthropy, fundraising, and annual support. Having this experience is key to moving to the next level.
Network Council Liaison: Rachel Bowman | YMCA of Central Florida
Network Coordinator: Gina Casagrande | YMCA of Snohomish County
Team Members:
Emily Green | YMCA of San Diego County
Maisha Abbott | YMCA of Honolulu
Nicole Bartlett (YPP Alumni) | Hockomock Area YMCA
Audience: Marketing & Communications Professionals. This network focuses on MarCom for philanthropy, including case for support, collateral, storytelling, and more.
Network Council Liaison: Beth Casper | Eugene Family YMCA
Network Coordinator: Bria Lewis | Rocky Mount Family YMCA
Team Members:
La Shae Leonard | YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
Mandy Lail | YMCA Retirement Fund
Sponsor: The Movement.shop by Radar Promotions
Audience: Staff and volunteers interested in:- Inviting broader participation from all segments of society- Expanding networks of community ownership.- Sharing insights of innovative philanthropic practices across cultures and borders.- Cultivating shared community impact where everyone belongs.
Council Liaison: Angie Lassley | YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Network Advisor: Jenny Federici | YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
Team Members:
Sylvia Velez | Greater Somerset County YMCA
Kayla Williams | World YMCA
Jimena Bello Gonzalez | YMCA Mexico
Ashley-Crystal Langston | YMCA of the USA
Audience: Camp staff and board members, especially those connected to philanthropy
Camp Network Council Liaison: Melissa Di Fiori | YMCA Storer Camps
Network Coordinator: Michael Burger | South Mountain YMCA Camp
Team Member:
Andy Smith | YMCA of the Pines
Sponsor: Day Camp Community
