JONATHAN RINGEL

IRON MOUNTAIN — Northern Lights YMCA, with centers in both Dickinson and Delta counties, has named current Dickinson Center Director Jonathan Ringel as the association’s new executive director.

Ringel, 40, is the second executive director in the history of NLYMCA, taking over for Escanaba’s Gary Nash, who is retiring in early October after more than three decades of service leading the association.

“I am humbled and thrilled to have been selected executive director,” Ringel said. “Those who know me, know just how passionate I am about the YMCA, our mission and core values. This position is a dream come true for me. I am grateful to all who have helped me develop professionally and especially thankful to our dedicated board of directors for their vote of confidence in my ability to lead our association into the future.”

Ringel has been with Northern Lights YMCA for seven years and helped oversee the Dickinson Center from its near infancy to today. Under Ringel’s leadership, the Dickinson Center has experienced tremendous growth and success, with a membership of almost 3,000 people and a lengthy list of collaborations and partnerships.

In addition to spearheading a successful annual campaign each year that supports opportunity for all in the community, Ringel was instrumental in the 2018 Capital Campaign that saw the center raise more than $4 million in donations to rebuild the pool and further renovate the aging Crystal Lake Community Center.

“We will forever be indebted to Gary Nash for his leadership and dedication in nurturing and building this association into what it is today,” NLYMCA board president Scott Herioux said. “Those shoes are near impossible to fill. But as the torch passes, our board is extremely excited to work with Jonathan to ensure the Y’s impact on our communities continues to expand in the years to come.”

Ringel moved to Iron Mountain in 2009 to serve as the city’s Main Street/Downtown Development Authority manager, where he oversaw the completion of a major streetscape renovation and securing several key economic development grants. He previously was the Steuben County planning director in Indiana for several years.

Ringel also has been a leader in the Dickinson and Iron county communities, volunteering with local non-profits that include Dickinson County Community Theater, Kiwanis, Imagination Factory Children’s Museum and church. He has also helped with the outreach efforts of Great Start collaborative.

Ringel and his wife, Shelly, and children Josiah and Eva will continue to live in Iron Mountain, as the executive director position now will be based out of the Dickinson Center.