Kristen Carlson Joins Woonsocket YMCA as Executive Director

Woonsocket, RI (June 9, 2022) — The Woonsocket YMCA, part of the YMCA of Pawtucket family of branches, is pleased to announce that Kristen Carlson of Foster, RI has accepted the position of Executive Director. With over twelve years of experience in YMCA management, Kristen will oversee program development, as well as staff advancement and member relations.

“We are pleased to welcome Kristen to our growing team at the Woonsocket Y,” said Charlie Clifford, CEO of the YMCA of Pawtucket. “She has an extensive knowledge of program development, operations and staff management and I am confident that she will be a tremendous asset to the Woonsocket Y community.”

Kristen most recently served as the Operations Director and Interim Executive Director at the Kent County YMCA. Prior to that, she served as the Membership and Marketing Director at the Westerly-Pawcatuck YMCA and worked as the Senior Program Director at the Cranston YMCA. She received her MA from Indiana State University and a BA from Rhode Island College. Kristen is a certified YMCA Branch Multi-Team/Branch Leader. 

Residing in Foster, RI with her daughter, Kristen enjoys cycling, kayaking and outdoor activities. She is a member of K’s Cadence MS 150 cycle team and trekked over RI in three days with Safari RI. Additionally, she is scheduled to participate in the Chicago Marathon in October 2022. She also volunteers her time with the RI Army National Guard Family Assistance Center and has volunteered with the RI Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Kristen is a former member of the Warwick Rotary and Scituate Lions Club.

To learn more about Kristen Carlson or Woonsocket YMCA, please contact John Houle at 401-831-6123. 

About the YMCA

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Pawtucket is comprised of five branches across the state: Pawtucket Family YMCA and Heritage Park YMCA Early Learning Center in Pawtucket, MacColl YMCA in Lincoln, Westwood YMCA in Coventry and Woonsocket YMCA.