The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has named Lauren Koontz its next president and CEO, effective Dec. 1.
Koontz currently serves as president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, where she has led one of the region’s largest and most established nonprofit organizations since 2019.
Koontz will join the Community Foundation during its 75th anniversary year as the fifth leader in its history, according to a press release.
Ryan Wilson, CEO and co-founder of The Gathering Spot and a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, chaired the CEO search committee. The Board conducted a broad national search with the support of executive search firm BoardWalk Consulting, with an emphasis on leaders with a deep record of impact in metro Atlanta.
Koontz joined the YMCA of Metro Atlanta in 2012 and became its first woman president and CEO in 2019. During her tenure, she has strengthened partnerships with corporations, health care systems, school districts, nonprofits, and government agencies and led the organization’s largest comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising more than $60 million.
During the 2025 federal shutdown, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, the state’s largest Head Start provider, worked with the Foundation and partners across the region to keep Head Start programs open for more than 6,500 Georgia children. Koontz’s team later brought the same model to Augusta, the release said.
Her career also includes fundraising leadership at Emory University and Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. At Coxe Curry & Associates, she played a key role on the team supporting the $400 million Greater Grady Campaign for Grady Health System. Her civic leadership includes service with The Fox Theatre, YMCA of the USA, the Truist Atlanta Community Advisory Board, and other regional organizations.
“Atlanta has shaped my career and my sense of what is possible when people come together around a shared purpose,” Koontz said in a statement. “The Community Foundation has a remarkable opportunity to connect people who care about this region with the organizations, ideas, and opportunities that can make a difference. I’m excited to build on the Foundation’s 75-year legacy and help shape its next chapter alongside the staff, donors, and community partners who care about Greater Atlanta’s future.”
W. Jeffrey Beckham, chair of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, released the following statement:
After more than a decade of transformative leadership, Lauren Koontz has made the decision to depart as president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. On behalf of the board of directors, members and more than 4,000 employees, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary contributions she has made to this organization and to the communities we are privileged to serve.
Lauren joined the Y in 2012 and, in 2019, made history as the first woman to serve as president and CEO in our organization’s more than 168-year history. Her tenure has been defined by purpose, excellence and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every person, especially every child, has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. The programs, partnerships and people she championed will leave a lasting mark on metro Atlanta for years to come.
We are grateful for Lauren’s service, and we wish her and her family every success in the next chapter.
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is well-positioned for the future. Paul Nguyen, executive vice president and chief financial and administrative officer, will serve as interim CEO and Allison Toller, chief of staff, strategy and impact, will serve as interim president. Both bring deep institutional knowledge and proven leadership to these roles, and the board has full confidence in their ability to guide the organization through this transition.
A national search for the next permanent president and CEO is currently underway. Our members, families and partners can be assured that our programs and services will continue without interruption as we move forward.
