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Jeff Darling announced as the new CEO of the YMCA for the Sandhills

By Stephanie Meador, posted May 15, 2023 on BizFayetteville.com

Jeff Darling - Photo provided by Darling

Jeff Darling has been selected as the new CEO of the YMCA for the Sandhills. 

Darling is currently finishing out his role as vice president of the YMCA in Los Angeles and he will arrive in the Sandhills to begin his new position June 1. 

Darling shared that he was drawn to the position and the area for multiple reasons. The YMCA in Los Angeles has 26 branches, and Darling liked the idea of operating on a smaller scale:  “...my personality leads me more to a smaller type YMCA,” remarked Darling. His move to Fayetteville will also allow him to be closer to his daughters, one of which lives in Charlotte, NC and the other which lives in Georgia. 

“...when the Sandhills position popped up, it definitely caught my attention. And then as I learned more about it, and the work that Rick has already done, and just the passion of the board, it was an easy draw and something that I knew that I would love to fit into,” said Darling. 

Current YMCA of the Sandhills CEO Rick Houp shared that there were about 42 candidates that applied for the CEO position. The pool was narrowed down through zoom interviews then the final candidates were interviewed in person. 

“Jeff’s gonna bring a lot to our organization. He has a huge background in childcare, especially camps. He has experience in fundraising. And he is extremely energetic and enthusiastic. I think our team members will enjoy his leadership,” shared Houp.  

Houp added that he will continue to be around and work on the projects that are in progress in Moore County and Hope Mills until he is no longer needed. 

“I will like the opportunity while I’m needed to focus on the projects and not the day to day operations,” remarked Houp.

Darling said he is eager to assume his new position. 

“I’m really looking forward to it. Can’t wait to get there and definitely ready to get started,” shared Darling.

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