The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has appointed Heather W. Wilson as chief strategy and growth officer. Wilson has 12 years of leadership experience within the YMCA movement and a passion for public health and health equity.

Most recently, Wilson served as the senior vice president of membership and health innovation for the YMCA of Central New York, leading strategic efforts to expand the organization's membership base and establishing key partnerships within the health care industry.

She also held leadership positions at YMCAs serving parts of Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and New Jersey. In these roles, Wilson applied her passion for community-integrated health care, strategic planning and innovation to advance the mission of the Y and to increase health equity in local communities. Her experience in health equity also includes relevant Y-USA certifications and serving as the national chair for the YMCA of the USA's African American Employee Resource Network.

In addition to her experience with the YMCA, Wilson served as the head men's basketball athletic trainer at Seton Hall University, where she was an adjunct professor for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in education and athletic training from Old Dominion University.

After the pandemic and the retirement of its former CEO earlier this year, the YMCA is evaluating the needs in Chester County and the role it plays in strengthening the community. Future plans include expanding the youth development programs and the health management and disease prevention program.

In addition, one of Wilson's first priorities will be to determine where and how to expand the YMCA's reach to underserved communities throughout Chester County. Wilson and her team will conduct ZIP code analyses to determine where the Y has opportunity to reach more residents.

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, visit http://www.ymcagbw.org.