Interim CEO of Sault YMCA steps down from top job

The interim CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA, who took the reins after the organization declared itself in financial crisis, has stepped down.

The Sault Y made the announcement in a news release today — one day after a framework to save the building was approved by Sault Ste. Marie City Council.

The release says Haddock stepped down last Friday, May 10.

"This leadership transition was always planned," the news release says. "When John assumed the interim role of CEO in November 2023, the intention was that it would be a short-term appointment to support the organization as we explored options to sustain our operations."

In the immediate future, the Sault Y board and staff will be supported in an advisory capacity by YMCA Ontario’s Regional Development Centre.

Haddock was the second interim CEO to take over leadership of the YMCA after its former CEO Robert Burns parted ways with the organization in summer of 2023 — less than a year before the Y announced plans to suddenly close.

Burns has previously declined an interview request from SooToday.

Haddock was a face of the past, having previously served as CEO of the  Sault Y from 1990 to 1997 before taking on similar roles at YMCAs in southern Ontario. He came out of retirement when he took on the interim CEO position in November.

In between Burns and Haddock, the interim CEO role at the Sault Y was held by Mary Kloosterman.

Last month, one day after the Sault Y announced its expected closure, Haddock took tough questions from members and concerned citizens during a meeting in the YMCA gymnasium. 

The full news release issued this afternoon by the Sault YMCA is below:

The Board of Directors of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA wishes to thank John Haddock for his commitment and dedication to the YMCA as he makes a transition from his role as interim CEO, as of Friday, May 10.

Over many years and in various roles with the YMCA, John has been dedicated to helping build a healthier Sault Ste. Marie community.

This leadership transition was always planned. When John assumed the interim role of CEO in November 2023, the intention was that it would be a short-term appointment to support the organization as we explored options to sustain our operations.

John brought with him both a long history of YMCA leadership as well as deep connection to the Sault Ste. Marie community, and he has worked tirelessly to support staff and explore options for our charity.

Now, our Board of Directors is focused on what’s next with our municipal and community partners.

In the immediate term, during this pivotal time of planning for the future, the Board of Directors and staff will be supported in an advisory capacity by YMCA Ontario’s Regional Development Centre. This is a common practice for YMCAs undergoing leadership transitions and is supported by the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

Our members, families, donors, and the entire community can be confident in the Board’s commitment and dedication to the future of the YMCA in the Sault.

The Board of Directors is extremely grateful to John for his recent work and his long-term dedication to the YMCA and the Sault community.

The SSM YMCA remains committed to growing the membership to continue to allow essential programming for the community and looks forward to working with community partners to ensure long term success.