We Are Growing For a Purpose
Growth is essential to the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities. As the needs of the populations we serve continue to evolve, strategic growth enables us to expand our reach, adapt our programs, and enhance our facilities to ensure equitable access for all. Through intentional development, we remain committed to fostering youth development, promoting healthy living, and advancing social responsibility in every community we serve.
Continuing a Vision of Growth
The Last 10 Years
The Last Ten Years of Growth
The expansive growth of North Texas within the last decade has been undeniable. At the Y we know that we must also grow and change to continue to meet the needs of our changing communities. In 2018, recognizing that plans for growth must be intentional and measured, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas enlisted a third-party firm to examine our service area to determine where we should begin our efforts.
Following the year-long study, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Board of Directors and the organization’s leadership approved a growth strategy to renovate existing YMCA locations and to expand the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ footprint with new or expanded programs or building facilities.
In the fall of 2023, the Y hired Elise Back to serve as our first VP/Chief Growth Officer. Elise’s background in economic development has propelled the Y to reach those markets we have been unable to reach in the past. Elise's early work has already brought about discussions with new potential partners regarding facilities and programming.
Growth Committee
The Last Ten Years of Growth
A Growth Committee was established in March of 2024 to help guide and advise the YMCA in their future growth plans including long-term facility planning, improvements, and additions to physical facilities as well as identified innovative and creative partnerships which will drive revenue, expand market share, and have a far-reaching impact on the community it serves. The Committee is comprised of members from the Y Board and external stakeholders representing the development, real estate, financial, nonprofit, legal and local government sectors.
YMCA Growth Committee
- Jason Kulas, Chair
- Julius Blatt
- Monica Lira-Bravo
- Jason Dudley
- Jim Leslie
- Will McNutt
- Jennifer Scripps
- Margaret Spellings
- Jessica W. Thorne
- Karl Zavitkovsky
- Curt Hazelbaker
- Elise Back
- Todd Baker
North Texas By the Numbers:
By 2030, North Texas is projected to become the third largest Metro region in the U.S. – surpassing Chicago. This tremendous growth comes with a number of opportunities for the YMCA!

New person moves every 3.3 minutes to North Texas
New people move every hour to North Texas
New people move every 3.3 minutes to North Texas
New people move every week to North Texas
Strategic Growth Plan
For nearly 140 years, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas has served the community, relying on local leaders and businesses to support its mission. As North Texas continues to grow, the Y is expanding its reach through strategic investments, facility renovations, and partnerships to better serve evolving community needs. By enhancing programs, forging new collaborations, and increasing impact, the Y is committed to strengthening communities for generations to come.
Partners and Collaborators - You’re in Good Company!
The YMCA is renowned for its collaborative and innovative partnerships. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, we are actively forging strategic partnerships with corporations, professional sports teams, nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. These partnerships allow us to amplify our impact and better serve our communities.












