EUGENE FAMILY YMCA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD PRESIDENT MATT LONGTIN
Longtin assumes leadership amidst the inauguration of a new Y and the advancement of a strategic plan
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Eugene, Ore., July 9, 2024 – The Eugene Family YMCA proudly introduces Matt Longtin as the new Board President, poised to steer the Board of Directors during a period marked by exponential growth and significant community impact.
“Matt possesses the vision, expertise and proactive spirit essential for guiding the Y through its next journey,” said CEO Brian Steffen. “His passion for helping people, refining the vision for the future and achieving results is precisely what the Y needs at this juncture in its history.”
Predecessor Joe Carmichael ushered in a transformative era in the Y’s 137-year legacy, culminating in the construction of a state-of-the-art facility and an era of unparalleled expansion. “We are in a pivotal point in our organization’s evolution,” Longtin said. “I am honored to lead such a dedicated board and collaborate with such an exceptional team of Y staff.”
During his tenure, Longtin aims to support staff in implementing a new three-year strategic plan, envision a significant redevelopment of the old Y site, and focus on teen mental health, including suicide awareness.
“We are truly attuned to the community, devising a plan that responds to their needs and desires,” Longtin said. “I am immensely confident that the Y will affect meaningful change because when people who care unite, they can accomplish great, challenging feats. The Y is comprised of individuals who care deeply.”
Longtin will serve as Board President, former Board President Chip Radebaugh will remain Treasurer, and Jackie Mikalonis will serve as Secretary.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have such invested board members leading our Y," said Eugene Family YMCA CEO Brian Steffen. "Their passionate commitment to the health and well-being of our community and innovative thinking will help guide us into a new chapter of the Y's history."
Longtin has served on the YMCA's Board of Directors for the past 22 years.
He is the founder of Mathew D. Longtin, LLC, specializing in family law.
Longtin’s connection to the Y is profound and personal. He spent his formative years at the Roseburg YMCA, engaging in basketball, tennis, racquetball, and swimming. His first kiss happened behind that Y, and his initial social interactions as a new lawyer occurred at the Eugene Y—running from the Y daily and socializing with the Y basketball players.
He developed a special bond with a Y staff member with disabilities, a connection that resonated deeply due to Longtin’s brother having Down syndrome.
“What makes the texture of this world so interesting is the diversity of it,” Longtin said. “What I love about the new Y—and what I am so proud of—is its diversity, devoid of any political or agenda-driven undertones.”
Longtin leads a Board, comprised of 14 community members with varied backgrounds and expertise, committed to guiding the YMCA’s mission: “strengthening our diverse community by offering programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”
"I am thrilled to pass the torch to a good friend and fellow community leader personally impacted by the Y," said Joe Carmichael, who served as Board President for the past 2.5 years. "Matt is a great communicator with a strong passion for the Y and this community. I’m excited for him to be at the helm as we forge a new path forward at the old Y location on Patterson Street and develop new innovative ways to serve our community.”
Media Contact:
Beth Casper
Marketing & Communications Director
Eugene Family YMCA
541.686.9622 ext. 240
beth@eugeneymca.org
About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages more than 18,000 people regardless of age, gender, income or background—to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2022, the Eugene Family YMCA awarded $492,451 in financial assistance. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
