YWCA USA Appoints Ruth T. Jones Nichols as Interim CEO as National Search Begins

YWCA USA's Board of Directors appointed Ruth T. Jones Nichols, Ph.D. as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective October 26, 2026, succeeding Margaret Mitchell. The board also began a national search for a permanent CEO. The FinancialContent Business Page published the announcement.

Jones Nichols Takes the Helm at YWCA USA

Jones Nichols is a nonprofit executive and social impact leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing equity, opportunity, and community transformation. She served as Executive Director of YWCA South Hampton Roads and most recently as Executive Vice President of Local and National Programs at Local Initiatives and Support Corporation (LISC), overseeing a nationwide portfolio of local offices and initiatives. As a child, she and her family found refuge in a YWCA shelter.

"Dr. Jones Nichols brings exceptional experience, a deep understanding of community impact, and a personal connection to the YWCA mission that makes her uniquely positioned to guide YWCA USA through this transition and into its next chapter," said Ashlee Davis, Chair of the YWCA USA Board of Directors.

Mitchell said: "It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve YWCA USA and to work alongside an extraordinary network of leaders, staff, volunteers, and advocates who show up every day in service of women, families, and communities."

YWCA USA's Board and Network Scale

According to akta.pro company records, YWCA USA expanded its Board of Directors to 21 members in June 2026, welcoming four new members and re-electing six existing members. The same records show the organization operates a network of over 190 independent Local Associations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. In 2022, 136 of those associations served 997,454 people through 860 programs, with 71% of people served being people of color and 59% women and girls.

Nonprofit CEO Searches Across the Sector

UNCF's board selected ZRG Partners to lead its national search for a next president and CEO, following Dr. Michael L. Lomax's scheduled July 1, 2027 departure after 22 years, GlobeNewswire reported on October 13, 2026. Middle Tennessee State University is seeking a new president with an October 15 application deadline to replace President Sidney McPhee, who retires by the end of 2026 after more than 25 years, and hired Korn Ferry to assist, Yahoo reported on October 12, 2026. Greg Loop, CEO of Family Services of NW PA, announced his retirement in April 2027, Yahoo reported on October 16, 2026.

Transition Timeline at YWCA USA

Jones Nichols will work closely with Mitchell through October 30 to ensure continuity and a smooth leadership transition. The board, in partnership with Protégé Executive Search, will conduct a national search for the organization's next permanent CEO. The board said YWCA USA's operations, programs, member services, and partnerships will continue without interruption throughout the transition.