MEET SUSAN MORTON: THE NEW CEO OF THE WESTFIELD AREA YMCA
Susan Morton, Chief Executive Officer of the Westfield Area YMCA
The Westfield Area YMCA saw a significant leadership transition this summer as Susan Morton stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of former CEO Mark Elsasser.
Susan’s commitment and dedication to the Westfield Area YMCA spans over 35 years, starting with her early days an assistant director and kindergarten teacher. At that time, the Westfield Area YMCA had only one mixed-age early learning classroom. Under Susan’s leadership, child care programs expanded significantly, leading to her promotion to Director of Preschool and Early Learning.
One of Susan’s earliest achievements was her role in the 1991 agreement with the First Baptist Church of Westfield, leading to the establishment of the Early Learning Center YMCA. This expansion was a milestone for the Y, allowing them to expand early childhood programs for children 2.5 to 5 years. Over the years, the Early Learning Center underwent significant renovations, further extending their services to include children as young as 6 months old.
In 2005, Susan played a key role in the opening of the Robert and Virginia Bauer Family Branch YMCA, located in the former Christian Science Church on East Broad Street. Today, the Bauer Branch is home to several preschool classes, a full-day Kindergarten program, summer camp, and sports activities. Susan’s influence extended well beyond early learning, and she eventually took on the responsibility of overseeing all childcare programs within the YMCA.
Programs continued to flourish and expanded throughout the service area, with new branches opening in Garwood and Cranford and additional program sites in Mountainside. In 2015, Susan was promoted to Vice President of Operations, and in 2023, she stepped into the position of Chief Operating Officer.
Susan Morton was born and raised in Fanwood and now resides in Scotch Plains. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and relaxing by the beach. Both her personal and professional journey reflect the core values of the Y, and her experience and leadership promise a bright future for the Westfield Area YMCA.
Nicole’s Story: Why She Came Back to the Y
Nicole Chartrain began exercising at the Westfield Area YMCA before COVID struck in 2020. During the pandemic, she stayed active by participating in virtual group fitness classes offered by the Y. When restrictions were lifted, Nicole discovered that her secondary insurance offered a free membership to another fitness facility. She decided to give it a try but soon found herself grappling with a sense of disconnection. “After going there a few times, I realized that I hadn’t made any connections amongst the people — nothing beyond going in, exercising, and leaving. I felt lonely, in a way,” she admits.
“The Y is full of life. There are kids, camps, tons of activities — there’s a real sense of community. I realized I was really missing that,” Nicole explains. She made the decision to return to the Y. “I decided it wasn’t worth having a free membership if I didn’t enjoy going there.”
Her return was nothing short of a homecoming. “The moment I walked in, all the good times came flooding back. The smiles, the familiar faces — it was wonderful,” Nicole reflects. “Coming back to the Y was like coming back to a family.
There’s always something going on, and people just look happier.”
For Nicole, the Y represents more than just a place to work out; it embodies a community that enriches her life. “I have no regrets — I will gladly pay my monthly fee and get my exercise at the Y,” she adds.
With opportunities to connect with new people, develop new skills and explore new interests, you’ll discover a greater sense of purpose at the Westfield Area YMCA.