April 25th, 2019, Asheville, NC:

After a three-month search process, the board of directors of the YWCA of Asheville is pleased to announce that they have hired Libby Kyles as their next Chief Executive Officer. YWCA’s outgoing CEO, Beth Maczka, announced in January that she would step down after seven years in the role. Ms. Kyles will begin her tenure on June 17th. Libby Kyles is an Asheville native who grew up as a part of the YWCA community. She has been a public school teacher for almost two decades and has been a champion for children and families as the co-founder and Executive Director of  YTL Program (Youth Transformed for Life), an organization that creates bridges for children and families to overcome gaps of disparity.

“The YWCA is a place that is near and dear to my heart,” says Kyles. “I am excited to join such a talented team of people working for the betterment of our community. As a native of Asheville and an African American woman, I have a unique perspective and understanding of the racial dynamics of the area, and I look forward to growing our community partnerships and working with people who are just as passionate about working to end racism and truly empowering women as I am.”The YWCA CEO search process, conducted by a dedicated and diverse committee of community liaisons, staff representatives, and board members, included multiple listening sessions where the board incorporated feedback from staff and community as to their needs, priorities, and desires regarding the organization’s next generation of leadership.

"On behalf of the YWCA's Board of Directors, we couldn't be more pleased that Ms. Kyles is joining us as our new CEO," said Betsey Russell, YWCA Board First Vice Chair. "We know that her life experience, her deep knowledge of the YWCA and of the Asheville community, and her strong and compelling vision for how the YWCA can move forward will ensure that we deliver on our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Welcoming her to the helm is like welcoming a family member home, and our board looks forward to doing great things under her leadership to further embrace equity and empowerment inside our organization and in the community we serve."