Gaye Adams Massey will become 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.
"After conducting a national search, we are excited to welcome Gaye as our new CEO," said YWCA board president, Shawntera Hardy. "An accomplished executive and leader, 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."
Massey, as a senior deputy general counsel and chief administrative officer at UnitedHealth Group, founded and chaired the company's pro bono legal services program. Before joining UHG, Massey held leadership positions with University Hospitals Health System in Cleveland, Ohio and Aetna, Inc. in Hartford, Connecticut. 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. The importance and urgency of the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism can be easily appreciated as our nation copes with the tragic results of racist violence. I am excited by the opportunity to lead an organization that has accomplished so much, and through the long-term support of its many partners, funders and volunteers, is poised to do so much more in the future."
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 as CEO on July 13.
