YMCA branch in Framingham appoints new president and CEO

By Jaclyn Reiss, Town Correspondent

The MetroWest YMCA Board of Directors has appointed Richard A. MacPherson, the branch's operations manager, as the branch's new president and chief executive officer.

The announcement follows the retirement of Jeanne McAllister last month.

MacPherson has spent 28 years working for the organization, holding positions in Beverly and Worcester.

While at Worcester, he helped create a YMCA neighborhood park and restore local abandoned housing. He also raised funds and helped develop new programs addressing child obesity and prostate cancer, according to a prepared statement from the organization.

During his tenure as operations director at the MetroWest YMCA, MacPherson oversaw the growth of the association budget from $5.78 million to over $8.6 million in 2012, and a staff that has grown to over 250. He has been involved in facility renovations and expansion and construction projects.

MacPherson served as Project Manager for Activate America from 2006 to 2011, a YMCA initiative that focuses on healthy living. He also spearheaded implementation of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a program for cancer survivors.

MacPherson has also been active with the Association of YMCA Professionals, whose mission is to advance the YMCA profession by helping to prepare its young leaders.

MacPherson also serves on the Board of Directors of the Framingham Coalition for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

“We have been very impressed with Rick’s vast knowledge of the Y and his high level of professionalism," said Ron Foisy, the Metrowest branch's board chairman, in the statement. "After having conducted an extensive national search, we are confident that Rick’s innovative thinking and passion for our organization make him the ideal leader as we continue to advance the mission of the Y throughout the MetroWest area."

MacPherson earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He and his wife, Celia, have three children.

Find out more about the local YMCA at the organization's website. The branch is located at 280 Old Connecticut Path in Framingham.

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Jaclyn Reiss can be reached at jaclyn.reiss@globe.com