The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is announcing the appointment of Bertram L. Lawson II as President and CEO.

Lawson is a seasoned 24-year YMCA professional who most recently served as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Central New York.

Lawson previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for Mastery Charter Schools Network and Senior Vice President of Operations at the YMCA in Central Maryland.   

YGBW board chair and chief volunteer officer Donna Urian says that the board conducted a national search

“Bertram is a mission-driven leader and a passionate advocate for impacting lives and enhancing organizational culture. The committee was also impressed with his leadership and experience in the realm of DEI.”  

Lawson is a Philadelphia native who began his Y career at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, where he held numerous increasing roles including Vice President of Operations. He also established their DEI department.   

He is an active volunteer, serving on numerous boards. His volunteer roles include serving on the Board of Trustees for Lincoln University, YMCA of the USA’s National Membership Standards Advisory Committee, as the immediate past chair for the YMCA of the USA’s African American Employee Relations Network (AARN) and as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – in addition to many others.   

Lawson succeeds Denise Day, the organization’s President and CEO for more than thirteen years, who retired in June 2023. 

Lawson will take office on Monday, July 10.

Read more about the YMCA of Greater Brandywine on YGBW’s website.

More about YMCA of Greater Brandywine.