Meet Stephen Ives | President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Ives and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
1. What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Alternate Question: What was your thought process behind moving to Houston to lead the YMCA of Greater Houston?
o My journey has always centered around service, connection, and growth—both personal and professional. From my earliest days as a YMCA lifeguard and counselor, to a cross-country bike journey from Canada to Mexico after college, I’ve sought out experiences that stretch my limits and bring me closer to people and purpose. That drive led me through leadership roles at YMCAs in Merrimack Valley, Northern York County, and Central Ohio—each chapter strengthening my belief in the power of community.

When the opportunity arose to lead the YMCA of Greater Houston, one of the largest and most forward-thinking YMCAs in the country, it felt like a natural next step. Houston’s vibrant spirit, rich diversity, and commitment to progress offered the perfect setting to expand our reach and deepen our impact. This move was about more than professional advancement—it was about stepping into a community where bold ideas and meaningful service can truly thrive.

2. What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
o Many assume that organizations like the YMCA of Greater Houston are “gyms”—but that only scratches the surface of who we are and what we do. The YMCA of Greater Houston is a nonprofit organization that’s purpose is to serve the communities. Over my 30-plus years in the non-profit industry and with the YMCA, I’ve witnessed how adaptive and mission-driven the YMCA can be. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when fitness centers and youth programs were paused, we didn’t close our doors—we redefined our purpose. We partnered with the Houston Food Bank to serve as food distribution hubs, repurposed our staff to meet urgent community needs, and expanded services. What most don’t see is the agility and intentionality behind the scenes. The YMCA is not just a place—it’s a powerful platform for purpose, community resilience and transformation.

3. Risk Taking – how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
o I’ve always been drawn to challenges, even before I knew exactly where my career would lead. From embarking on a long-distance bike ride early in life to stepping into complex leadership roles, I’ve learned that taking risks often unlocks the greatest growth. The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the greatest tests for me as we faced a $50M revenue loss and had to make tough decisions—but we also saw it as a moment to rethink, rebuild, and lead with purpose. That mindset led to transformational change. As a result of those efforts and many more, the YMCA of Greater Houston received a transformational $18 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift was the YMCA of Greater Houston’s single largest donation in its 137-year history. It laid the groundwork for the organization to accelerate innovation and expand community outreach programs. For me, risk isn’t about fear—it’s about vision, resilience, and choosing to lead when it matters most.

4. Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Alternate Question: What was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
o The most important decision I ever made was choosing to fully commit myself to the YMCA—not just as a place to work, but as a place where I truly belong. That clarity came early in my journey, after a conversation at my local Y while I was working as a lifeguard. I learned that the YMCA offered meaningful leadership roles and a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. From that moment on, I knew this was more than a job—it was my calling. That decision has guided every step of my career. Committing to the YMCA was a career move that has complemented my dedication to community and a belief in the power of service. Embracing the opportunity to serve at a larger scale in Houston was transformative, reaffirming my passion for community service and ability to drive meaningful change.

5. What is the most important factor behind your success/ the success of your brand?
o I believe the cornerstone of my success is my commitment to each community I’ve lived in, but specifically making a mark in Houston. Over my 30+ years with the YMCA, I’ve learned that real, lasting change happens through collaboration, civic engagement, and the courage to adapt to community needs.

My ability to innovate, whether by repurposing YMCA of Greater Houston centers during crises and forming strategic alliances like the Houston Afghan Resettlement Fund (HARF), is a testament to this. Whether it was repurposing YMCA of Greater Houston centers during crises, launching initiatives like the Houston Afghan Resettlement Fund, or expanding programs to address issues like sex trafficking, refugee support, and senior care—we’ve approached every challenge with innovation and purpose. Today, the YMCA of Greater Houston serves more than 380,000 individuals through programs that uplift children, support families, and build stronger, safer communities. My version of success is how I’m able to positively impact the Houston community, which happens to align with the YMCAs core values as well.

6. What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
o One of the most difficult decisions I’ve faced occurred in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Confronted with an unprecedented $50M revenue loss, we were forced to furlough 3,000 employees, a step that weighed heavily on me. This decision, though incredibly challenging, compelled us at the YMCA of Greater Houston to reimagine our operations and ultimately spurred a much deeper strategic evolution, becoming vital hubs of support. As a result, ‘Not a place, a purpose’ was born. For several weeks, we reimagined and mobilized Y staff to facilitate food distributions throughout the city and provide childcare for essential workers. While it was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever had to make, it ultimately revealed the strength, adaptability, and heart of our organization—and reminded me that even in moments of crisis, purpose can lead the way forward.

7. Work life balance – how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
o My perspective on work-life balance has evolved significantly over the years. As I took on more leadership roles, I learned that a fulfilling career is only sustainable when balanced with personal well-being and family time. My move to Houston was not just a professional decision, but also an opportunity to balance my dedication to work with my commitment to quality time with my family, ensuring I can give my very best to the YMCA. My wife, Lisa Collins, and our two adult daughters have been a constant source of inspiration. I also enjoy outdoor activities, including long-distance running, biking, and live music.

8. Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you/what do you like about it?
o “This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” George Bernard Shaw

9. Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
Alternate Question: Why did you pursue a career at the YMCA and in the nonprofit field?
o My drive to join the YMCA of Greater Houston and the nonprofit sector stemmed from a desire to serve and uplift others. Early on, experiences as a lifeguard, counselor, and a volunteer opened my eyes to the profound impact community service can have. The YMCA of Greater Houston, with its approach to strengthening communities, became the natural outlet for this passion. It provided a platform to merge my adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit with a mission that fosters healthier families, empowers youth, and builds inclusive communities. It’s this blend of purpose and impact that continues to inspire my work every day.

10. What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?
o I want my legacy to be that I am a trailblazer who reimagined community service and inspired others to do the same. I want to be remembered for turning challenges into opportunities, building resilient organizations, and driving innovation and change in communities with purpose. Most of all, I want to be known as someone who led with vision, inspired action, and never lost sight of the people and communities at the heart of it all.

What should our readers know about your business?
We responded to this question in the first section!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We responded to this question in the first section!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Please reference the first section.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ives

Image Credits
YMCA of Greater Houston