The New Canaan YMCA’s new executive director, Margaret Riley, will describe the non-profit’s plans for the future and outline its ongoing outreach efforts to the community at the New Canaan Men’s Club’s regular meeting Friday, November 19, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge.
In her comments, she will focus on the YMCA’s place in the community, its multitude of programs for the town’s young and adults of all ages and the organization’s plans to expand its activities on behalf of the entire community. Riley is only the fifth executive director in the New Canaan Y’s 67-year history and is the first female to hold that position.
The New Canaan Men’s Club meets most Fridays at 10 a.m. After a short business meeting, the guest speakers begin their presentations around 10:40 a.m. and take questions from the attendees.
Riley, who previously served on the Y’s Board, was named executive director in April. She takes on the post following the retirement of Craig Panzano, who served as executive director for 17 years.
During her tenure as a Board member for the New Canaan YMCA from 2018-2020, Riley participated on the Executive, Governance, and Endowment Committees. Riley also chaired the Post-COVID Reopening Task Force, where she collaborated with staff and fellow Board members to navigate through the challenges and logistics of safely and responsibly reopening the New Canaan YMCA after its COVID-19 closure.
In addition to a strong foundation of community service, Riley joins the Y with a professional background in law, specializing in civil litigation, employment litigation, probate litigation, and landlord tenant law. She left the firm of Carta, McAlister, & Moore in Darien where she practiced since 2013. She graduated from Providence College with a double major in Italian and Business and attended law school at St. John’s University.
Riley, who has lived in New Canaan with her family for 23 years, has served as an active volunteer in the community, dedicating time as president of the South School Parent Teacher Council, editor of the New Canaan High School Parent Faculty Association newsletter, volunteer for the New Canaan Community Foundation, and as a religious education instructor.
The Men’s Club has opening for new members. Men 55-years old and above interested in joining may obtain information by emailing ncmens@ncmens.club.