Eugene Family YMCA CEO Receives Outstanding Non-Profit Leader Award
Eugene, Ore., March 9, 2026
On Friday, March 6, the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) honored Eugene Family YMCA’s CEO Brian Steffen with its Outstanding Non-Profit Leader of the Year Award. _0.jpg)
The award, recently created by the LCOG Board of Directors, recognizes nonprofit leaders who demonstrate outstanding service and commitment to the community.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition, but the real credit belongs to the people who bring the YMCA’s mission to life every day,” Steffen said. “Our staff, volunteers and community partners work tirelessly to create spaces where everyone feels they belong and can reach their full potential. I’m humbled to be part of a community that believes so strongly in building a better future for everyone.”
Steffen joined the Eugene Family YMCA as CEO in 2018, where he demonstrated a deep commitment to engaging with the community. That year alone, he met with nearly 200 individuals to understand local needs and how the Y could help meet them. His vision became rooted in connection, belonging and community impact.
Since then, Steffen has helped steward significant growth and expansion for the YMCA. His forward-thinking leadership and advocacy were instrumental in securing $15 million in state funding, helping make possible the YMCA’s new $49 million facility that opened in 2023.
“Brian believes success isn’t measured by the building you open. It’s measured by the people you reach,” said Beth Casper, Chief Strategy Officer at the Eugene Family YMCA. “And Lane County is stronger because of that kind of leadership.”
Since opening the new facility, active memberships have grown by more than 209 percent, allowing the YMCA to improve the health and well-being of more individuals and their families than ever before.
The organization has also expanded programs that support people of all ages and backgrounds while strengthening its role as a community “third place” — a welcoming space beyond home and work where relationships are built and community thrives.
The YMCA is the largest child care provider in Lane County, serving 22 elementary schools — about 77 percent of elementary schools across three Lane County school districts. Through financial assistance, scholarships and discounted access, the organization works to remove cost barriers that might otherwise prevent families from participating in child care, youth programs and health and wellness activities. Currently, 65 percent of YMCA members receive discounted access to programs or services.
Steffen continues to focus on the organization’s long-term role in the community. That vision includes plans to expand the Patterson campus and develop a future YMCA facility in north Eugene to better serve growing and underserved areas of Lane County.
“We want everyone in Lane County to feel connected, supported and like they belong,” Steffen said. “The Y is ready to help make that vision a reality.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Beth Casper
Chief Strategy Officer
Eugene Family YMCA
(541) 686-9622 ext. 1403
(503) 302-8776 (mobile)
beth@eugeneymca.org
About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages thousands of people regardless of age, gender, income or background—to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene area since 1887.
About the Lane Council of Governments
The LCOG is one of the oldest councils of governments in the nation, originating in 1945. It is governed by its board of directors, which hosts 35 members, one from each of its organizations across Lane County.
