Our experienced, passionate team works every day to bring the Y's mission of healthier, more connected communities to life.
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Buddy Evans, President and CEO
Buddy is committed to the Y’s mission to strengthen individuals, families and communities. With more than 25 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility within YMCAs up and down the East Coast, he has transformed the organizations that he’s led by developing new membership expansion programs and leading successful capital campaigns. Prior to his role as CEO of the YMCA of Montclair, Buddy was the Executive Vice President of Operations for the YMCA of South Florida. He loves English Bulldogs and is a passionate sports fan. Buddy holds a degree in Quantitative Economics from the University of Rhode Island and a graduate degree in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy.
José Lastra, Chief Financial Officer
José has extensive financial, operational and programmatic experience as an executive officer for nonprofit organizations, which has taken him to over 40 cities in 10 countries. Having previously run federal programs dedicated to building organizational capacity, José takes pride in now enabling the Y to offer more resources to both members and staff. Inspired by Henri Nouwen, Bill Hybels and the Rev. Luis Cortes, Jr., José strives to teach compassionate and effective community building. He enjoys watching college football, eating mofongo and pastels. Jose has a degree in Business Administration from Marymount College of Fordham University and is certified in Pastoral Care by the Blanton Peale Institute.
Anneke Demarest, Chief Development Officer
Anneke oversees development and marketing for the YMCA of Montclair. Anneke believes through fundraising, we transform someone's passion to action that makes a meaningful difference in the community. In addition to Anneke’s fundraising expertise, she is an avid traveler and cook and considers herself an aspirational gardener. As a camp kid herself, Anneke looks forward to seeing how camp is done at the YMCA of Montclair. Anneke holds a B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College and an M.A. in Fundraising Management from Columbia University.
Ann-Margaret Gutierrez, Chief Operating Officer
Ann-Margaret Gutierrez has devoted her career to strengthening communities and understands the importance of responding to local community needs with an unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Prior to her current role, Ann-Margaret spent her last 23 years in Branch operations, most recently as Senior Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Boston. Ann-Margaret has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Human Service from Audrey Cohen College and is happily married with fur-babies.
MEET OUR SENIOR STAFF
Justine Biendon
Early Learning Center Director
Rob Casale
Tammy Como
Association Aquatics Director
Lisa Kievit
Executive Director
Park Street YMCA