Newton YMCA welcomes George Sorensen as new president and CEO

Newton YMCA has found its new president and chief executive officer. In a press release this week, the organization announced George Sorensen, a branch manager at the Greater Wichita YMCA in Kansas, will succeed Lucas Hughes, who served the local YMCA and his community for the past five years.

Sorensen will assume his new role on Oct. 28. He brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, advancing YMCA facilities and community initiatives. It is this experience of executing significant initiatives that makes him the ideal choice to lead the Newton YMCA.

Troy Garton, chair of the board of directors of the Newton YMCA, said at his core Sorenson’s passion is serving and bettering the community. Garton praised him for positively impacting his communities and using the YMCA as a foundational pillar that will no doubt enhance the lives of those in Newton and Jasper County.

“We are excited to welcome George Sorensen as the new CEO of the Newton YMCA,” Garton said in the press release. “George brings with him a proven track record of managing YMCA budgets exceeding $4 million and leading annual six-figure fundraising campaigns.”

Sorensen knows this is a transformative time for the Newton YMCA. Earlier this year, the facility’s community enhancement project was submitted by U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks to receive federal funding. The project has also received support from both the city and the county.

Newton News previously reported the $15 million expansion project would improve both recreational opportunities and teen programming. The 25,000- to 30,000-square-foot expansion is where the new recreational space would be housed, and it would extend northwest of the current facility.

Specifically, the expansion would include a new basketball court, a weight room, indoor pickleball courts and additional office space and a new teen center.

Even though he is still a few weeks out from his first day at the Newton YMCA, Sorensen is eager to collaborate with his dedicated staff members, volunteers and community partners to enhance the well-being of the community by providing exceptional programming for everyone.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to take on the role of president and CEO at the Newton YMCA, a vital part of our community for 150 years,” he said.

While serving as a branch manager at the Greater Wichita YMCA, Sorensen managed a significant year-over-year growth in membership since 2021 while developing a high-performing team and programs to better serve the community’s needs.

Prior to his work with the Greater Wichita YMCA, Sorensen was the operations manager for Opti-Life Vitality Club and Spa in Wichita, where he oversaw the construction, operations and capital campaign for the $8.1 million facility. Prior to that, he spent more than 17 years with YMCAs in various leadership roles.