Tenisha Jones Named Executive Director of Lake View YMCA

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago announced today that Tenisha Jones has been named Executive Director of the Lake View YMCA. A strategic leader, community advocate, and nonprofit executive, Jones brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development, education, health equity, community engagement, and organizational leadership to the Y from roles in organizations across Chicago.

“We are excited to bring someone with such a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for bringing people together to the Y,” said Karen Dziagwa, District Executive Director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “Tenisha’s leadership background and commitment to building strong community partnerships make her an excellent fit for the Lake View YMCA.”

Most recently, Jones served on the boards of Austin Coming Together, Chicago Cares, and Illinois Partners for Human Service, guiding strategy, fundraising, and governance. She is also a longtime Lead Judge for the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards.

Her previous leadership roles include Chief Program Officer at Chicago-based nonprofit UCAN; Vice President of Community and Government Engagement at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Senior Director of Strategy and Operations at West Side United; and Chief Architect of the Auburn Gresham GOLD initiative at the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation.

“I am excited to join the Lake View YMCA,” said Jones. “I look forward to continuing to deepen the Y’s work in the community, strengthen youth and family programs, support staff development, and advance the Y’s mission of empowering children and families.”

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is your Y for Life, serving more than 280,000 people each year through a network of around 100 facilities, including YMCA facilities, overnight camps, and learning program sites. From sports and fitness to aquatics, camps, preschool, and before- and after-school programs, the Y helps individuals and families build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits at any age or stage of life. The YMCA of the USA proudly celebrates 175 years of community impact in 2026.