Over a Century
of Dedication

The YMCA Retirement Fund is officially incorporated by a special act of the New York State Legislature—establishing a secure future for Y professionals nationwide. 

Y employees were challenged to raise $100,000—they raised an incredible $335,000. With support from Dr. John R. Mott and the Rockefeller family, Y Retirement surpassed its $4 million goal. 

Even as the 1929 stock market crash erased more than $26 billion nationwide, Y Retirement did not lose a single dollar to investment defaults and continued to grow its participant base. 

Participants were able to make personal contributions, and the Savings and Security Plan was launched for non-secretarial employees.

Under CEO Earl Brandenburg, and under times of particularly strong performance, Y Retirement provided extra monthly payments—“experience dividends”—to retirees.

During Harold C. Smith’s leadership, Y Retirement experienced remarkable expansion—assets rose from $521 million to $3.6 billion, and participation grew to over 76,000 Y staff. 

Through the recessions of the early 2000s and 2007–2009, Y Retirement continued to grow and serve Y staff—demonstrating long-term stability even during nationwide economic uncertainty.

CEO John Preis led the successful passage of U.S. Public Law 108476, unanimously approved by Congress, officially designating Y Retirement’s plans as church plans and securing long-term structural flexibility.

Y Retirement strengthened its Board of Trustees and invested in robust technology, expanded customer service, and the Y Relations team to build stronger relationships across the YMCA Movement. 

Despite the uncertainty of the global COVID-19 pandemic, CEO Scott Dolfi strengthened Y Retirement staff and strategic relationships with YMCAs. 

Michael Cefole becomes the Y Retirement’s seventh President & CEO, ushering the organization into its second century of service to Ys, and building strategies that ensure long-term financial health.

Y Retirement expanded its 403(b) Savings Plan with a Roth Account, giving Y staff more flexibility to plan for their unique retirement goals.