Announcement from YWCA of Asheville:
After nearly sixteen years of service as Executive Director of the YWCA of Asheville, Holly Jones is leaving the organization. In January 2012, she will be assuming the role of Regional Manager for the YWCA Southeast Region. In this new role, she will be working with 23 local YWCAs, in seven southeastern states, to strengthen their organizational capacities and enhance the YWCA’s collective voice.

As the longest serving Executive Director in YWCA of Asheville history, the impact Jones has had on the agency is profound. She has shown extraordinary dedication to the organization’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. “On behalf of the YWCA Board of Directors, Staff, and the entire community, I want to express my deep appreciation to Holly for her years of exquisite service,” said YWCA Board President Nancy Ackermann Cole, “her accomplishments will be vital the success of the YWCA as we move forward.”

“Transition of a long-time executive director is never easy,” Jones acknowledges. “Yet I believe the organization is poised well for the future and ready for new leadership. The YWCA of Asheville is strong –programmatically, financially and organizationally. The current board has great leadership and vision. The staff is talented, committed and solid.”

During her tenure, Jones has greatly improved the agency’s finances, administration and facility. She successfully completed a $3.9 capital campaign and the renovation and expansion of the YWCA facility. The YWCA has also experienced tremendous growth under Jones’ leadership: the annual budget has grown from $750,000 to $2.9 million; the annual fund increased from $17,000 to $100,000; and the number of staff went from 45 to over 100. In addition, she has led strategic planning and the implementation of mission-driven programming. For example, Jones launched the YWCA’s “Stand Against Racism” initiative, resulting in 157 Asheville community groups participating, the most for any YWCA nationwide. Over the course of her time at the YWCA, she has successfully developed professional and effective relationships with 90 board members. Finally, Jones has pioneered the greening of the YWCA facility to model environmental and financial stewardship.


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