In its 2018 year-end update from President Christine Boyczuk, Moose Jaw's YMCA announced a new interim CEO, and advised that the new CEO would be conducting an analysis of the Y's current operations, and that a decision on the closure of their Fairford Street East Health and Fitness Centre has been put on hold.

As of January 2nd, veteran Executive Darryl McKenzie is the Y's interim CEO until mid-February. With 20 years of experience at the Y throughout Canada, McKenzie said, 'The priorities in the immediate short-term are ensuring capable executive leadership of the organization and the completion of the operational review.'

According to McKenzie, in his written response, the operational review came about because 'The Board of Directors has undergone [a] significant transformation in the past few months. Seven out of the twelve directors were newly elected at the AGM this past October. So, the Board asked that a review of current operations be completed as soon as possible. As a veteran executive with 20 years of experience in the YMCA, I have extensive expertise in both operations and governance. The Board believes this experience will be of value during the review.'

McKenzie said the length of his term as interim CEO was a decision based on the Board's assessment of the needs of the YMCA of Moose Jaw and his availability over the next few weeks.

Angie Publicover was the acting CEO for the final weeks of 2018. CEO Jeff Fox is on a leave of absence until further notice.

A decision on the long-term future of the Y's Fairford facility has been put on hold pending the operational review. In his written response, McKenzie said, 'When the Board has reviewed those findings, it will consider future options that will best serve the needs of the organization and the community we serve.' 

When we had the opportunity to speak to McKenzie, he said, "I think the board felt it would be appropriate to take a step back to look at the overall financial position of the Y...look at the long-term viability of our programs and services. They really want to make sure they understand the issues and make sure that we've done a really thorough analysis of what our options are."