LIVINGSTON, NJ — December 15, 2025 — The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, a leading non-profit organization serving Bergen, Essex, and Sussex counties, is proud to announce the promotion of Brian Sheafer to Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Sheafer will succeed current Senior VP and Chief Operating Officer Ed Philipp, who will become Metro Y’s new President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2027.
Philipp praised Sheafer’s leadership, calling him “a trusted partner who turns strategy into results. His calm, collaborative approach ensures consistent, high-quality experiences that benefit our community every day.”
As COO, Sheafer will partner with staff and volunteers to advance the organization’s mission, strengthen operations, empower teams, and create exceptional experiences for members and visitors.
“I’m grateful for the trust of our senior leadership and our Board, and excited to continue working alongside our incredible staff and community. Together, we’ll stay focused on strengthening our impact, supporting our people, and ensuring the organization is positioned for long-term success,” Sheafer said.
Since joining the Metro Y in 2016, Sheafer has led transformative initiatives that have strengthened the organization’s mission and positioned it as a leader in safety, mental health, and strategic development. Sheafer established and chaired the Metro Y’s first Safety & Risk Committee, embedding safety as the organization’s top priority and integrating best-in-class standards across child protection, aquatics, emergency preparedness, and employee safety. Under his leadership, the association earned Praesidium Accreditation—the gold standard in child abuse prevention and youth-serving safety practices—an achievement held by only a select group of organizations and a benchmark for youth-serving organizations across New Jersey.
In response to the growing demand for behavioral health support, Sheafer led the launch and operationalization of the Metro Y’s first Mental Health Department, supporting funding efforts, assembling a team of licensed professionals, and integrating behavioral health and ADA expertise throughout the organization.
Sheafer partnered with key volunteers to lead the development of the Metro Y’s three-year Strategic Plan and Roadmap. In recognition of his leadership and collaborative approach, he was reappointed to help lead the forthcoming 2026–2028 strategic planning process.
Sheafer has led and supported more than $53 million in capital projects that have modernized Y facilities and expanded community reach. He is currently playing a key leadership role in the planning and development of a new, state-of-the-art West Essex YMCA, targeted for completion in late 2026.
Prior to joining the Metro Y, Sheafer served as Vice President of Youth Development at the YMCA of South Florida and Assistant Vice President at The Learning Experience World Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla. His YMCA career began in 2003 as Associate Sports Director at the Summit Area YMCA in Summit, NJ. He later served as Senior Program Director for Wellness, Child Care, and Camp at the Gateway Family YMCA in Rahway, NJ.
“We are proud to welcome Brian Sheafer as the Metro YMCA's new COO at this exciting moment in our history,” said Peter Tanella, Metro Y Board Chair. "As we move forward with bold initiatives, including a new state-of-the-art YMCA, Brian brings the vision and expertise to ensure these projects deliver lasting impact."
Sheafer, a resident of Florham Park, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from Rutgers University and executive leadership certifications from Cornell University and YMCA of the USA. He plays an active role in statewide and national YMCA efforts and serves on the YMCA of the USA Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, helping inform long-range strategic direction at the national level.
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About the Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.