JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After more than 40 years of dedicated service to YMCAs across the country—including 14 years leading the First Coast YMCA—President and CEO Eric Mann has announced his retirement.
Mann will step down next summer but will remain in his current role and help guide the organization through the transition until a successor is named.
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In a statement, Mann reflected on his time with the YMCA.
After nearly 45 years serving various YMCAs—and 14 of those spent here in Northeast Florida—I’ve decided to retire in Summer 2026. Serving as President and CEO of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been one of the greatest honors of my career.
This YMCA family means the world to me. Together, we’ve built new branches, launched wellness programs that serve the diverse needs of the community and strengthened our mission of promoting a healthy mind, body and spirit for all.
All of that could not have happened without each and every one of you.
Please know I’ll continue to serve in my current role over the coming year and through this transition. A search committee consisting of several former and past board chairs, will partner with the YMCA of the USA on a nationwide search. Notably, several of these members were also involved in my recruitment. More information will be shared as the process moves forward.
I know the First Coast YMCA will continue to thrive under strong leadership and with your support. Thank you for being part of our YMCA family.
Eric Mann, President and CEO of First Coast YMCA
During Mann’s tenure, the First Coast YMCA said its facilities saw significant growth and transformation, with membership increasing by 33% as the organization expanded its reach throughout the region.
“Eric’s service to YMCAs across the country and his steadfast commitment and innovative approach to improving peoples’ lives across Northeast Florida is unmatched,” said Gary Norcross, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Metropolitan Board of Directors Chair. “We are a stronger community because of Eric, and that is truly the measure of his leadership.”
Notable accomplishments include the renovation of the Johnson Family YMCA and the construction of the Winston Family YMCA, as well as launching Healthy Living Centers open to both members and the public, which provide health screenings and programs on nutrition, healthy aging, heart health, coping with cancer and other topics related to navigating health care.
“It’s been a tremendous honor to serve the YMCA and the Northeast Florida community,” said Mann. “I’m confident the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast will continue to thrive and positively impact individuals by providing services and programs that promote a healthy body, mind and spirit.”