Gaye Adams Massey has been appointed the new CEO of the YWCA St. Paul.
Massey, who previously worked for UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and the Children's Defense Fund, succeeds Billy Collins, who retired in April.
"Gaye brings the experience, passion and vision that will make it possible to build on the strong foundation left by Billy, and continue to meet the urgent needs of the women, children and families that the YWCA St. Paul serves," YWCA Board President Shawntera Hardy said Wednesday in a statement.
Massey, who moved to the Twin Cities area in 2001, has been a senior deputy general counsel and chief administrative officer at UnitedHealth Group, where she founded and chaired the company's pro bono legal services program. Before that, she held leadership positions with University Hospitals Health System in Cleveland, Ohio, and Aetna Inc. in Hartford, Conn. She began her career with the Children's Defense Fund in Washington, D.C.
"I was drawn to this opportunity because of the YWCA's long-standing commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women — two vital imperatives for social justice today," Massey said. "I am honored to serve an organization that is a key resource for services that equip and empower women, strengthen their families and contribute to a stronger community."
Massey earned a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and a law degree from Harvard Law School. She serves on the boards of Way to Grow and the Institute for Food and Development Policy. She previously served on the boards of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Twin Cities Diversity in Practice and Families Moving Forward.
Massey begins her new job July 13.
James Walsh • 651-925-5041
