SUPPORTING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE BEHIND THE SCENES

Our mission is clear—we exist to enhance day-to-day operational efficiency and maximize budgets for our members. We do this by developing and managing vendor relationships, overseeing the procurement process, researching and managing group initiatives, and saving money for our members with YMCA Shared Services’ purchasing power.

SUPPORTING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE BEHIND THE SCENES

Our mission is clear—we exist to enhance day-to-day operational efficiency and maximize budgets for our members. We do this by developing and managing vendor relationships, overseeing the procurement process, researching and managing group initiatives, and saving money for our members with YMCA Shared Services’ purchasing power.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

It all started in 1998, when a small group of YMCAs in Eastern Massachusetts had the idea to work together to buy cost-effective natural gas and electricity. Not only was this collaboration a great operational decision, but they also saved a lot of money. The CEOs of those 9 YMCAs decided to make the collaboration permanent, setting up YMCA Shared Services—an independent 501(c)(3), tax exempt non-profit organization, dedicated solely to supporting member organizations. Every member has a seat on the board with an equal vote.

YMCA Shared Services, Inc. Board of Directors includes the Presidents & CEOs of each member association. The Board of Directors governs YMCA Shared Services the same way any other YMCA’s Board of Directors would. All members have an equal part in YMCA Shared Services regardless of their size or revenue.

Member YMCAs appoint someone from their senior leadership staff to serve as the primary point of contact and communication between YMCA Shared Services and the other association staff. Senior leaders from each member form the YMCA Shared Services Operational Team. Quarterly the Operational Team meets with YMCA Shared Services staff for updated information and to provide directives, feedback, and guidance as to what areas are relevant and important to their associations.

Meet Out Team

Paul Slovin

Executive Director | Director of Procurement

Paul joined YMCA Shared Services, Inc. in 2010. During Paul’s tenure, the organization has grown from 9 corporate member YMCAs consisting of 33 individual branches in Massachusetts to 68 corporate member YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs, consisting of 275+ individual branches in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, California, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Washington DC. Paul’s experience is in strategic procurement, inventory management, business development, merchandising, planning, sales and general operations. Prior to joining YMCA Shared Services, Paul opportunistically purchased and merchandised off price, surplus, salvage and other under-performing assets for a 14 store chain with $100 million dollars in annual sales, as well as spending 25 years growing and directing all business operations for a fabric and home decor company that specialized in fabrics, window treatments and other products for retail customers, interior designers, corporate and commercial clients. Paul is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a BA in Economics and the CPIM program at Merrimack College. In addition to being passionate about reducing expenses for YMCA Shared Services members, Paul is passionate about photography, technology, sports and fitness.

Anthony Longo

Procurement Specialist

Anthony joined YMCA Shared Services, Inc. in August of 2018. During his time at YMCA Shared Services, the organization has grown from 26 to 68members. Anthony assists members with onboarding, indirect purchasing, and expense analysis. Prior to joining YMCA Shared Services, Inc. he worked for Renew-IT as an IT Procurement Specialist. Anthony is a graduate of Colby-Sawyer College with a BA in Sports Management, as well as a graduate of the Endicott College Van Loan School, earning his Master of Business Administration.

Antonio Forehand

Procurement Administrator

Antonio joined YMCA Shared Services, Inc. in September of 2021. Prior to joining YMCA Shared Services, Inc. he lived in Burlington, Vermont working in the Insurance industry developing Life and Annuity contracts. Antonio is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a BA in Economics. He enjoys skiing, going to concerts, and traveling.

STRENGTH IN OUR MEMBERSHIP YMCA

Shared Services encompasses 70+ members, 275+ branches, and 198 camps. Our robust network of almost 100 vendors spans fitness equipment, apparel, utilities, facility supplies, and more. Our members save as much as 48% on everyday expenses, and our vendors pay no commissions or fees to partner with us.

Not only have we saved a lot of money for our YMCA, but YSS makes sure they help every step along the way. I couldn’t be happier with our relationship. YSS truly cares about us and operates as such.

Jeff Vitale

Chief Executive Officer | Mon Valley YMCA

Our organization has seen increased cost savings through our partnership with YSS helping to keep dollars at work towards our mission to build Great Futures.

Derek Heim

President & CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South

The YMCA Shared Services team really understands our needs. They go above and beyond to get us the best deals and are great people to have on your side!

VP, Strategic Initiatives

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

YSS has been very supportive in our acquisition of fitness equipment and other supplies needed to run a YMCA.  Paul and his team are very responsive and always there for you.

Jay Parker

President and CEO – YMCA of Central Virginia

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A YMCA SHARED SERVICES MEMBER?

YMCA Shared Services, Inc. is a membership-based, non-profit organization—our membership network is comprised of Y organizations nationwide. We offer five membership tiers, each scaled to reflect the appropriate monthly membership benefits and dues. To learn more about becoming a member organization, please complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch!

© 2024 YMCA Shared Services, Inc.