Gisborne YMCA CEO Leigh Gibson retiring after 40 years

Leigh Gibson pictured in 2010 when she was awarded a Queen's Birthday Honour. Gibson announced her retirement this week after 40 years of service to Gisborne YMCA. Photo / Paul Rickard

A long-serving member of Gisborne YMCA has announced her retirement after 40 years of service to the community.

The YMCA confirmed on Tuesday that Leigh Gibson was retiring.

Gibson joined the YMCA in 1984 as a board director and acted as president before assuming the position of chief executive officer in March 1999

“Over the years, Leigh has been involved in transformational growth at the Gisborne YMCA, making the organisation a cornerstone of community life and a trusted resource for countless families and individuals,” a statement from Gisborne YMCA said.

“The Gisborne YMCA has been responsible for a number of services, including providing nutritional healthy school lunches and free community health and wellbeing classes - creating a cornerstone of community life, ever-expanding its services and deepening its reach to the community it serves.”

Gibson also served as a member of the executive committee for the World YMCA CEO organisation for 15 years, helping to shape the global YMCA movement.

Seeing first-hand the work undertaken in diverse and extremely challenging conditions had been a life-changing experience for her, said Gibson, who was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to the YMCA in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Leigh Gibson, pictured right in 2023, serving hot lunches as part of a free lunch in schools pilot programme for Te Wharau School and Ilminster Intermediate. Photo / Liam Clayton

She attributed the success of the Gisborne YMCA to “a collaboration of inspirational and talented people who believe in the YMCA, all of whom have played critical roles in expanding the YMCA’s impact locally and nationally”.

Gibson said it had been “an absolute pleasure” to lead the YMCA and work alongside so many amazing people.

“You just need to go into the services to see the dedication and commitment to working with whanau and community,” she said in a statement.

“Together we have supported an organisation that truly reflects the needs and spirit of our community.”

She felt privileged to have formed lifelong friendships with fellow CEOs, colleagues and board members.

“I will forever treasure the relationships and memories that we have created.

Leading the YMCA was the greatest honour of her life,” she said,

“I am deeply proud of what has been accomplished.

“Creating a dynamic and inclusive organisation that truly reflects the spirit of our community.”

She was excited to see the YMCA’s continued growth and impact in the years ahead.

A statement from the Gisborne YMCA Board on behalf of current and previous board members said it extended the organisation’s gratitude and wished Gibson all the best for her retirement.