The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has appointed Heather W. Wilson as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. 

Wilson brings with her 12 years of leadership experience within the YMCA movement and a passion for public health and health equity.

Most recently, Wilson served as the Senior Vice President of Membership and Health Innovation for the YMCA of Central New York, leading strategic efforts to expand the organization’s membership base and establishing key partnerships within the healthcare industry.

She also held leadership positions at YMCAs serving parts of Maryland, D.C., and New Jersey.

In these roles, Wilson applied her passion for community-integrated health care, strategic planning and innovation to advance the mission of the Y and to increase health equity in local communities.


In addition to her experience with the YMCA, Wilson served as the Head Men’s Basketball Athletic Trainer at Seton Hall University, where she was an Adjunct Professor for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Education and Athletic Training from Old Dominion University.

After a lengthy pandemic and the retirement of its former CEO earlier this year, the YMCA is evaluating the needs in Chester County and the role it plays in strengthening the community.

“The opportunity in front of us is immense,” continues Wilson.

“The YMCA provides a wide array of offerings, but we are best known as a place to swim or exercise. The YMCA is much more than a gym. We are a community – a place to learn, to grow, to be supported, to lend your support to others and a place to focus on your health.”

Expanding Reach to Underserved Communities

One of Wilson’s first priorities will be to determine where and how to expand the YMCA’s reach to underserved communities throughout Chester County.

Wilson and her team will conduct zip code analyses to determine where the Y has the opportunity to reach more residents with their life-impacting services.

Wilson’s passion and expertise in healthy equity make her uniquely qualified for this role. In addition to her professional experience, Wilson holds relevant Y-USA certifications and serves as the National Chair for the YMCA of the USA’s African American Employee Resource Network (AARN).

“I am thrilled to share my health expertise and passion for health equity with this vibrant community. Great things happen when we all work together, and I look forward to being part of the exciting changes happening in this region.”

To read more about Heather Wilson’s leadership position and her plans for the YMCA’s future visit the YMCA of Greater Brandywine website.

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