Laurie Goganzer is a purpose-driven leader with over 30 years of experience in the global YMCA movement, bringing life-changing programs to people in New Jersey, New York, and California. She is President and CEO of YMCA of the Jersey Shore and the Ocean County YMCA, which together deliver youth development, healthy living, and highly regarded social service programs to nearly 60,000 people in central New Jersey communities.

She leads a combined team of nearly 1,300 employees and 700 volunteers and oversees operating budgets totaling $30 million. In collaboration with two committed Boards of Directors, a 54-member governing body at YMCA of the Jersey Shore and a 15-member board at the Ocean County YMCA, Laurie advances the Y’s cause through the power of partnership. With more than 100 strategic community partners by her side, she has helped the Y drive meaningful collaboration and deliver essential programs that uplift individuals and families.

A high point of Laurie’s career was directing a merger of The Community YMCA and YMCA of Western Monmouth County to establish a formidable countywide Y in 2019. Unifying the two Ys bolstered the nonprofit’s ability to support critical community needs during and after the coronavirus pandemic. The Y’s efforts were recognized and honored by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Visiting Nurse Association, HABcore, and the New Jersey Chapter Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Additionally, YMCA of the Jersey Shore was named a recipient of the 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces USA award and a New Jersey Top Workplace by New Jersey Advance Media four years in a row, 2002 through 2025, reflecting Laurie’s commitment to fostering a thriving culture that brings out the best in people.

Laurie’s career achievements have been celebrated by YMCA of the USA, which awarded her the Women of Excellence award in 2022; and by the Red Bank business community, which presented her the Shining Star Award in 2021 and Women of Influence Award in 2019.

With a passion to make a difference, Laurie serves on the Board of Trustees for the NJ Center for Non-Profits, the Grunin Foundation, NJ YMCA State Alliance, and NJ YMCA Young Professionals Network; Board of Directors for Monmouth County Workforce Development; Advisory Boards for Hackensack Meridian Health (Southern Region), Brookdale Community College, and the Visiting Nurse Association; Advisory Council for Monmouth ACTS; and was appointed to the Monmouth County Economic Recovery Council in 2020. She also serves as Steering Committee Chair of the Mid Majors Network for Y CEOs in the United States and Canada, is a member of the YMCA of the USA National Board of Directors and the National Council on Governance & Membership Qualifications for YUSA, and serves on the Advisory Board for Community Rec Magazine, a national business resource for community organizations.

Laurie began her Y career in 1992 as a Program Director for the Tarrytown YMCA in Tarrytown, New York and went on to become Associate Executive Director for the Rye YMCA, also in New York. In 2003, Laurie relocated to California where she spent 15 years leading branch operations for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and YMCA of San Diego County. In Los Angeles, she was Senior Vice President overseeing operations of three branches, including the Anderson Munger Family YMCA, opened in 2014 following a $23 million capital campaign under her leadership. She also served as Group Vice President, Executive Director and Operations Executive for the Los Angeles Association. In San Diego, she served as Regional Vice President for the South Region and led four branches with an operating budget of nearly $20 million.

Laurie earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from The Kings College in New York, and her Non-Profit/Public Organizational Management Business Certificate from the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business. She is a proud alumnus of LeadNJ, and a sought-after inspirational speaker and presenter on nonprofit leadership.

Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Laurie is thrilled to be home giving back to her community. She and her family reside in Colts Neck.