O'Donnell named CEO of Greater Providence YMCA

The Greater Providence YMCA announced that Steven G. O’Donnell, former superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, has been appointed as chief executive officer, effective immediately. O’Donnell was selected for the position following a nationwide search by the Board of Directors.

“Steve O’Donnell brings integrity, strong leadership and an unparalleled understanding of all communities in Rhode Island, and we are excited Steve has chosen to join us in the next stage of his remarkable career,” said Gayle Corrigan, chairperson of the Greater Providence YMCA Board of Directors. “Steve is the right person to lead the Y as it seeks to re-establish its presence in Providence and grow membership. I am confident he will further the mission of the YMCA and maintain the unique place it holds in the fabric of Rhode Island.”

O’Donnell joins the YMCA of Greater Providence following a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, including 28 years with the Rhode Island State Police, 18 months as U.S. Marshall for Rhode Island, two years with the North Kingstown Police, and one year with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

During his tenure as superintendent and commissioner, O’Donnell was responsible for more than 600 employees and an annual budget of more than $100-million. He is credited with the creation of “New Beginnings” a community outreach program between the RISP and community groups in the Greater Providence/Pawtucket areas designed to develop strong ties between urban communities and law enforcement through education, sports, and community service.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead the Greater Providence YMCA, which has been at the forefront of building and supporting strong families and strong communities in Rhode Island for more than 160 years,” O’Donnell said. “My entire career has been built on a foundation of community service and building bridges with people from all walks of life and all communities, and I look forward to helping advance and strengthen the mission of the YMCA of Greater Providence.”

O’Donnell is a Rhode Island native who graduated from La Salle Academy, where he has been head coach of the boy’s lacrosse team since 2007. Under his leadership La Salle lacrosse teams have been the Division I State Champions for five consecutive years (2012-2016). He has coached youth sports at all levels over the past 30 years.

A native of Providence, O’Donnell holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven, and a master’s degree from Salve Regina University. He is also currently an adjunct professor of graduate studies at Salve Regina University. O’Donnell is married, and the father of three children.

The nationwide search for the new GPYMCA CEO was conducted by O’Neill Consulting Group of Wakefield.

The Greater Providence YMCA is comprised of eight branches and operates with an annual budget of $23 million. The GPYMCA has 5,000 family memberships, and has a dedicated staff of 127 full-time employees, 1,005 part-time employees and 400 seasonal employees during the summer months.