CHANNEL ISLANDS YMCA PROMOTES MICHAEL YAMASAKI AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Montecito Family YMCA, a branch of the Channel Islands YMCA, is proud to announce the promotion of Michael Yamasaki to Executive Director, effective April 16, 2014. Mr. Yamasaki started with the Montecito YMCA in 2010 as Associate Executive Director and was honored in 2012 as the Channel Islands YMCA Director of the year. Under Mike’s leadership, the Montecito Y received the 2013 Mayor’s Award for Non-Profits. With his assistance the facility established the flagship LiveSTRONG at the YMCA cancer survivor program, which has since followed in other branches of the Channel Islands YMCA.
“I wish to thank the Search Committee, comprised of Branch Board Members and lead by Chair Mark Coffin, for their excellent work in conducting a thorough selection process and thanks also to the Montecito Staff Management Team for their support of the process,” stated Sal Cisneros, Channel Islands YMCA Association President and CEO. “We welcome Mike to his new role at the Montecito Y and look forward to a new chapter in the history of the branch.” Under Mike’s leadership and in partnership with the dedicated board and staff, continued growth of the Montecito Family YMCA is expected.
Mike was raised in the Santa Barbara area and attended Dos Pueblos High. He completed his studies at Utah State University. Upon returning to the area Mike began a 20-year career in the for-profit fitness industry, serving as Vice President, Operations Manager and a member of the Board of Directors of Gold’s Gym through its 2005 acquisition by Spectrum Clubs. He then became the General Manager of the Spectrum Club in Santa Barbara. In addition to his successful business career, Mike was an accomplished high school wrestling coach. In 1987 he returned to his high school alma mater and coached wrestling as a volunteer assistant coach and was promoted to head coach in 1992, a position he held until 1996. In his final two seasons he guided the Charger wrestling team to consecutive League Championships, a Runner-up finish in the CIF Championships and was recognized as Coach of the Year for the Tri-Counties. Mike was inducted into the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame as an athlete in 2003. In his spare time, Mike enjoys coaching sports for his two sons’ athletic teams, playing softball and golfing.
“I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful organization,” Mike commented. “The YMCA is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. These areas of focus perfectly align with my life long passions.”
The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for childcare, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. The Channel Islands YMCA Association offers support and guidance to seven branches, located throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including Santa Ynez, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Ventura, Camarillo and a Youth and Family Services branch.
Mission: The Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization providing programs based upon Christian principles to men, women and children of all ages, races, religious beliefs and economic status to develop and enrich the spirit, mind and body.
ciymca.org