Tracy Crane, chief executive officer, Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA

Tracy Crane has been appointed chief executive officer of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. She replaces retiring CEO Kim Decker.

Crane currently serves as the associate executive director of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA (FSPY) and will assume her new role on Jan. 5, 2024. Crane started working at the Y as a lifeguard in 1999. Her commitment to the Y movement and community led to a progression of leadership roles throughout her career.

For more than 20 years, she has focused her efforts on the Y’s continued growth and program development. As the associate executive director, she has overseen the administration and execution of grant funding exceeding $1 million, provided operational leadership during the pandemic, served as a key contributor in the development and implementation of the organizational strategic plan and leads the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility efforts at the Y. Most recently, she has been integral in providing input and oversight of the nearly completed $10 million capital expansion project.

“I am excited to begin this new chapter as the CEO of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y, continuing the legacy of great leadership that has come before me,” Crane said. “I have dedicated my career to serving this community through the Y and I am committed to ensuring that the Y’s programs and services continue to meet the needs of the community for many more years to come. I am looking forward to re-opening our expanded facility in the coming weeks, creating more opportunities for a healthier and connected community, and leading the growth of our organization.”

A proponent of both physical and mental well-being, Crane pioneered the inaugural Y Community Mental Health Initiative in 2015, which further evolved into the larger community collaborative, Here2Help. Crane serves on the Board of Directors as the finance chair of Caring Contact and is the current Board president of the Y Professional Network (YPN), a national professional development network for YMCA staff.

“Tracy has been an essential part of the success and stability of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA for many years,” said Julie Stiffler, FSPY Board of Directors chair. “I am happy to see her assume the role of CEO and to lead the organization’s work toward enriching and expanding resources for our members. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we look forward to working with Tracy to build upon the organization’s success and continue to expand the quality programs and services we provide.”

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information, call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at 908- 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.