Judith Cronin Leaves Legacy Of Growth At Greater Beverly YMCA

BEVERLY, MA — Judith Cronin, the longtime Greater Beverly YMCA executive director credited with growing both membership and community and business collaborations, is retiring after a distinguished career in public service.

The former Beverly Ward 6 City Councilor and School Committee president has been with the YMCA for 25 years — including the last 11 as its executive director.

During her time as executive director, the Greater Beverly YMCA has grown in membership from 8,000 members to nearly 12,000 and developed many programs aimed at the area's youth and those in need.

"Under Judith's leadership the Greater Beverly Y has reached new heights in serving the North Shore community," said Chris Lovasco, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North Shore. "Judith's wonderful ability to bring people and organizations together for the greater good is remarkable. Through her innovative and unwavering dedication to advancing our cause, she's made a lasting impact on our YMCA and the communities we serve.

"She will be missed but her legacy at our Y will live on in the positive impact she has made in the lives of so many."

Cronin is credited with leading the $6.5 million expansion of the Sterling Center YMCA, including the creation of the Early Learning and Academic Achievement Center, forming the Positive Alternatives to Student Support program for at-risk teens, developing the #ProjectY youth community day, establishing the Be Healthy Beverly initiative and overseeing the Water Wise classes to teach autistic children to swim.

Cronin also secured a $1.25 million federal Drug Free Communities grant, created and maintained a $400,000 annual campaign to help serve about 3,000 children and families in need each year, implemented STEM classroom and after-school programs and established a Girl Power program aimed at educating and empowering middle school girls.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead an organization whose mission is so dear to me," Cronin said. "I have been so lucky to work with an incredible staff, board and leadership team throughout my 11-year tenure.

"However, I think what I will miss the most is seeing the smiling faces of the members and program participants I have had the pleasure of engaging with as they come and go at our Y. I've made so many long-lasting friendships that I will cherish."

Cronin joined the Greater Beverly YMCA in 1996 after leaving a 15-year career in high tech finance. She became a board member in 2007 before accepting the executive director role four years later.

"Judith's boundless energy, devotion and passion for the Y is contagious," said Carol Townsend, chair of the Greater Beverly Y Board. "Judith has established herself as a beloved, well-respected leader in the community, someone who possesses an inimitable combination of knowledge, skill, problem-solving, diplomacy, kindness and empathy.

"She has truly demonstrated how to build a better community. She is masterful in her ability to collaborate with others, particularly the Beverly Public Schools. This past year was a challenge for all of us in so many ways and to witness Judith's ability to pivot the Y's focus and provide support to those who needed it most was amazing and heartwarming.

"We will miss her terribly."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)