Bio
The YMCA of Greater Louisville has named Gary A. Cobbs as the new president and CEO of the organization. Cobbs previously served as the CEO of The YMCA of Greater Montgomery in Alabama. He will replace outgoing president and CEO Steve Tarver, who after 23 years is retiring.
Cobbs’ career began at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee where he held various leadership positions, culminating as a Senior Vice President. In 2013, he became CEO of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. He oversaw 18 YMCA properties and facilities including two outdoor camp facilities throughout the Middle Alabama region. He has addressed revitalization of numerous focus areas, including leadership development, strategic planning, philanthropy efforts, community development, program quality, fiscal management, creative marketing, membership growth, and most importantly youth development.
He has served on numerous boards and committees, including Baptist East Hospital, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Committee of 100 Select Business Group, Leadership Alabama Regional Board, and the Central Alabama Sports Commission. In addition, he has worked on numerous national YMCA committees, including the YMCA of USA National Board, the YMCA of USA National Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Advisory Board, YMCA of USA Strategic Planning Group, and the YMCA of USA National Advisory CEO Summit Group, just to name a few.
In 2023, Gary led efforts to secure $11.2 million in contributed funds and adopted a new strategic plan in 2022 focused on expanding memberships and programs, youth development, philanthropy, and leadership development. During the pandemic, Gary partnered with community stakeholders to develop a $100 million dollar YMCA/Community recreation and marketplace project.
Cobbs is an avid golfer, loves sports, and enjoys unwinding with a good book, watching movies, and spending quality time with family and friends.