Laura Gilbert began her love of the YMCA in the 1970s at the age of 5 when she became a “Y - Indian Princess” in Lafayette, Indiana. Fast forward to 1997, shortly after moving to Sarasota from Tallahassee, when an opportunity to work at the Sarasota YMCA emerged. It seemed like fate.

Laura has played in integral role in the growth and development of the Y over her 21 years with the organization. For many years she acquired and administered over $28 million annually in funding for YMCA initiatives as Director of Contract Administration. In her previous role as Vice President of Operations at the Evalyn Sadlier Branch YMCA, Laura directed the day-to-day operations of three YMCA branches serving an average of 2,000 people daily. Most recently, Laura was named President and CEO in 2016. 

The Sarasota YMCA touches the lives of more than 50,000 people each year through diverse programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The impact of the YMCA touches all walks of life: birth to end-of-life, the very wealthy to homeless individuals and families, and everyone in between. Everyone deserves a Y.  

Achievements:
Proud mother of two beautiful children, ages 18 and 15
B.A. from The Florida State University
M.B.A. from St. Leo University
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)
Certified YMCA Organizational Leader
Positive Youth Development (PYD) Leadership Council

Sarasota Family YMCA, Inc.
1 S. School Ave., Suite 301
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 951-2916  
sarasotaymca.org