Ed Philipp to Become 17th President and CEO of Metro YMCA

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, a leading non-profit organization serving Bergen, Essex, and Sussex counties, is proud to announce the appointment of Edward G. Philipp as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2027. Philipp, who currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Richard K. Gorab, who is retiring in December of 2026 after 43 years of dedicated leadership.

In this role, Philipp will oversee all operations for the Metro Y’s six branches, providing visionary and strategic leadership while ensuring the Y upholds its mission and continued impact, community relevance, and financial sustainability. 

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to appoint Ed Philipp as the next President and CEO of the Metro YMCA of the Oranges. Ed’s an exceptional leader who is deeply committed to the Y’s mission. His proven ability to drive growth and innovation makes him the ideal person to guide the Y into the future,” said Peter Tanella, Board Chair. “We are confident that under his leadership, the Metro Y will continue to strengthen communities and expand its impact for years to come.”

“I am honored to step into the role of CEO and continue building on the strong foundation laid by Rick Gorab,” said Philipp. “I look forward to working with our staff, Board, and community partners to drive innovation, expand our programs, and deepen our impact across the region.”

Philipp brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the YMCA movement, with a proven record of driving growth, operational excellence, and community impact. Since joining the Metro YMCA in 2015, he has led significant expansion and financial recovery, including guiding the Association from pandemic losses to a strong surplus. His efforts have strengthened fundraising, improved member satisfaction, and advanced customer service initiatives. 

Prior to his tenure at the Metro YMCA, Philipp served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Greenwich, Conn., where he led a successful turnaround, eliminated $24 million in inherited debt, grew membership and program enrollment, expanded community partnerships and collaborations, and completed a $38 million building project.  Under Philipp’s tenure as COO at the Rye YMCA in New York, that Y’s membership satisfaction scores ranked consistently in the top 10 percent nationally, membership revenue increased, and he was recognized for innovative staff development and wellness initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Philipp held leadership roles at New Rochelle YMCA, Poughkeepsie Recreation Department, and Rockland County YMCA. Philipp holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Sport Management from Rutgers University and has been recognized with numerous awards.

Philipp has named Brian Sheafer as his successor, and Sheafer will assume the role of Senior VP and COO in January 2027. A formal announcement will follow.