Interim CEO starts at Ozarks Regional YMCA

The Ozarks Regional YMCA has appointed an interim leader.

Tricia Meinhold, vice president of operations for the St. Louis-based Gateway Region YMCA's West District the past eight years, started April 15 as interim CEO of the Ozarks Regional YMCA, according to a news release.

The Ozarks Regional YMCA and Gateway Region YMCA have signed a management agreement as part of the change. Meinhold is slated to assist in the search for a permanent local CEO as part of her work for the Ozarks Regional YMCA.

“I am thrilled to join the Ozarks Regional YMCA team and serve the community that I hold dear," said Meinhold, who started her YMCA career as aquatics director for the Pat Jones YMCA, in the release. "Together, with our dedicated team, I am committed to advancing our mission and empowering our community to thrive.”

In the interim role, Meinhold takes over for Kathryn Custer, who recently resigned as CEO of the Ozarks Regional YMCA after nearly six years, according to past reporting. Custer served as CEO through January, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Meinhold will oversee six regional YMCAs, school-age services and Camp Wakonda in the interim role, according to the release. In her position with the Gateway Region YMCA, she has led six YMCA branches with a combined budget of $22 million.

Danielle Wise, vice president of development for the Ozarks Regional YMCA, said Meinhold’s "expertise and leadership" are being lent to the local nonprofit “with resources available from Gateway Region at our disposal." Meinhold intends to retire from the Y at the end of the contract agreement, said Wise.