The Rathbun Lake Area YMCA Board of Directors announced the appointment of Delaney Kruzic as the organization’s next Chief
Executive Officer. Kruzic will officially begin her role on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Kruzic’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the Rathbun Lake Area YMCA following a year of significant transformation, growth and organizational strengthening.
Over the past two years, the Rathbun Lake Area YMCA has benefited from a strong partnership with the Ottumwa YMCA as the organization worked to strengthen its operations and build a sustainable foundation for the future. Most recently, Garrett Ross of the Ottumwa YMCA has served as interim CEO, helping guide the Rathbun Lake Area YMCA through a pivotal period of transition.
“We are incredibly grateful to Garrett and the Ottumwa YMCA for the partnership, leadership and support they have provided,” said Sarah Lind, President of the Rathbun Lake Area YMCA Board of Directors. “Our Y has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past year. Garrett’s leadership, along with the dedication of our staff, board and community, has helped put us in a much stronger position. We are proud of how far the organization has come, and we are excited about where it is headed.”
Kruzic brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, fundraising, partnerships, marketing, event management and program development. She currently serves as Executive Director of PACT, where she oversees organizational strategy, staff, budgets, board relations, fundraising, partnerships and community programming. She previously served as PACT’s Tourism Director from 2021 to 2024.
Throughout her work in Appanoose County, Kruzic has developed relationships across businesses, nonprofit organizations, local government, schools and other community organizations. Her experience includes securing and managing grants and sponsorships, developing community initiatives and bringing organizations together around shared goals.
Her leadership has also been recognized at the state level. Kruzic received the Rising Star Award from Iowa Travel Industry Partners in 2025 and the Outstanding Individual Leader award at the Iowa Tourism Awards in 2023. She currently serves on the Main Street Iowa Advisory Council and Iowa Travel Industry Advisory Group and is Vice President of the Iowa Travel Industry Partners Foundation Board of Trustees.
“As a board, we knew we weren’t simply looking for someone to fill a position—we were looking for the right person to lead the Y into its next chapter,” Sarah said. “Delaney understands this community, she knows how to build relationships, and she has a proven ability to take ideas and turn them into meaningful action. What excites us most is the energy and vision she brings to the role. We have worked hard over the past year to strengthen our foundation, and we believe Delaney is the right leader to build on that momentum and help us imagine what the Rathbun Lake Area YMCA can become.”
Kruzic will work alongside YMCA staff and the Board of Directors to continue strengthening the organization while expanding its impact throughout the community.
“I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter in my professional career and the opportunity to continue serving a community I care so much about in a new capacity. The YMCA is such a unique community asset because its impact truly spans every age and stage of life, from kids and families to seniors and everyone in between,” Kruzic stated. “I already have so many ideas for how we can build on the great work happening at the Y, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the staff, board, members and community partners to bring some of those ideas to life. More than anything, I’m excited to get started and to continue investing my time and energy in Appanoose County in a whole new way.”
