After 16 Years of Growth, SSYMCA CEO Paul Gorman to Retire
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After more than three decades of service within the YMCA movement, and 16 years at the helm of the South Shore YMCA, CEO Paul Gorman has announced he will retire in January 2026.
Gorman notified the YMCA’s Executive Board of his plans more than a year ago, allowing time to prepare for a smooth transition. His leadership has reshaped the South Shore Y into one of the most successful associations in the country. Over his tenure, membership grew by 30 percent, program participation surged, and revenue more than doubled, strengthening the nonprofit’s financial foundation.
Building a Stronger Y
Gorman’s years of leadership were marked by ambitious projects and expansion. He oversaw more than $70 million in capital improvements, including the $30 million redevelopment of the Quincy branch into the Hale Family YMCA, now undergoing a 20,000-square-foot expansion, and the transformation of the Emilson YMCA into a 30-acre campus that now includes the Laura’s Center for the Arts, an Outdoor Aquatics Center, and expanded family programming space.
He also expanded the reach of YMCA camps and early education programs. At Camp Burgess & Hayward, new dining halls, cabins, and health facilities were built, while Camp Gordon Clark gained new outdoor spaces. Childcare capacity grew eightfold, from three small classrooms in Quincy to Early Learning Centers and classrooms now serving hundreds of children across the South Shore.
The Y’s Nature Center in Norwell was revitalized with the creation of the Jose Carreiro Children’s Gardens and the opening of a new Nature Center Preschool, advancing the YMCA’s commitment to outdoor learning.
Meeting Community Needs
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Shore YMCA quickly pivoted to meet urgent community needs. The Hale Family YMCA in Quincy became a temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness, food pantry services quadrupled, and emergency childcare programs were created for essential workers. The organization also partnered with local leaders to develop safety protocols that helped schools and camps reopen safely.
Fundraising and Legacy
Over the course of his career, Gorman has raised more than $45 million in capital funds and nearly $30 million in annual campaign contributions, ensuring both program growth and long-term financial stability. At the South Shore YMCA alone, $25 million in capital funds were secured under his leadership, while annual giving increased from $1.3 million to $6 million.
To ensure the organization’s future strength, Gorman also led a strategic planning process in 2025 that produced a three-year roadmap supported by ten years of projected planning. The strategy focuses on five pillars: youth and family programming, medical wellness partnerships, member experience, employee development, and facility optimization.
Looking Ahead
As Paul Gorman prepares to retire in January 2026, the South Shore YMCA begins a new chapter built on a strong foundation of growth, community partnerships, and long-term vision. His legacy will be evident not only in the facilities and programs developed during his tenure but in the lives of the thousands of families who benefited from them.
Community members are invited to share their memories and stories of Gorman’s leadership as part of the YMCA’s celebration of his extraordinary career here.