The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY, March 23, 2026 -— The Plattsburgh YMCA Board of Directors today announced the unanimous appointment of Jeffrey L. Collen as Interim Chief Executive Officer, along with additional leadership steps to support the organization during this critical time.

Collen was identified through YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and selected by the Board for his extensive experience leading YMCA organizations through periods of transition and operational improvement.

Collen brings decades of executive leadership experience within the YMCA movement, having served as CEO and Interim CEO for multiple YMCA associations across the country.

Most recently, he has served in interim executive roles with YMCA associations in Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri, where he has been recognized for strengthening operations, improving program quality, rebuilding community trust, and guiding organizations through complex organizational challenges.

Over the course of his career, Collen has successfully led organizations through financial distress, operational restructuring, and community reinvestment-restoring stability, enhancing member experience, and developing strong leadership teams.

The Board intentionally sought an experienced, external leader to provide an independent, objective, and transparent assessment of operations and to help guide the YMCA forward.

“We are grateful to have someone of Jeff’s caliber stepping into this role at such a critical time,” said Courtney DeLaura, Chair of the Plattsburgh YMCA Board of Directors. “His experience working with YMCAs across the country, particularly during times of transition, will be instrumental as we work to stabilize operations and move forward with a clear and accountable path.”

In addition, the YMCA announced that Stephanie Purcell, currently serving as Membership Director, will step in as Acting Director of the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center.

Purcell brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, youth programming, and YMCA operations. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Cazenovia College and has served in multiple leadership roles within the Plattsburgh YMCA, including Director of the Y’s Time Before & After School Program and Director of Y Wee Care.

In these roles, Purcell has overseen childcare operations, staffing, curriculum development, and regulatory compliance, while building strong relationships with families and the community. Her background also includes experience as a lead teacher and camp director, with a consistent focus on creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments for children.

The YMCA continues to work closely with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), law enforcement, and legal counsel to implement all required corrective actions and safeguards following the allegations of physical abuse in the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center.

“Our focus remains on child protection and accountability,” said Molly Ryan, Vice Chairperson for the YMCA Board of Directors. “We are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center can safely reopen under the strongest possible standards for child safety and oversight.”

The Board emphasized that the organization is actively working to:

• Strengthen policies, reporting procedures, and staff training
• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Reestablish safe and effective operations within the childcare center

The Bright Beginnings Childcare Center will remain closed until further notice. The YMCA will continue to provide updates to families, staff, and the community as progress is made toward reopening.

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