Valerie Giacopelli Appointed Interim CEO of Somerset Valley YMCA

Valerie Giacopelli, executive director of the Hillsborough Branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA, has been named the Y’s interim chief executive officer, overseeing the membership organization’s three Y branches in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville, Andrea Thorne, board chair of the Somerset Valley YMCA has announced.

Mrs. Giacopelli has been the Hillsborough Branch executive director for five years. She is stepping into the interim CEO position during a transition period following the departure of former CEO Paul Kieltyka, who left to become CEO of the Summit Area YMCA.

“I am honored to accept the interim CEO position and look forward to continuing the progress that our board and leadership team have established. We have a strong, talented, leadership team and together we will make the transition seamless,” Mrs. Giacopelli said.

One of Mrs. Giacopelli’s most immediate tasks will be to lead the nonprofit Somerset Valley YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign, a fundraising drive that enables the Y to offer life-changing services and programs to everyone in the community regardless of their income

“Valerie has been part of the Somerset Valley for many years. She has a deep commitment to the Y’s mission of strengthening community,” said Mrs. Thorne. “We are confident in her ability to move us forward as an organization that exists to build healthy minds and bodies, nurture the potential of children and teens, and serve the diverse needs of our communities.” 

Mrs. Giacopelli, a Hillsborough resident for 23 years, began her Y career as a volunteer on the swim team board at the Hillsborough branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA. Her three children were on the Y swim team.

“I found the YMCA to be a great place for children and families and I chose the Y movement as the place where I wanted to spend my career,” she said.

Mrs. Giacopelli began her Y employment in children’s services at the Somerset Valley YMCA 15 years ago, moving up to the position of Hillsborough Branch executive director, where under her leadership, Y services to the community have continued to grow.

Mrs. Giacopelli is active in the community, serving on the Hillsborough youth commission for the past 5 years and is currently president-elect of the Rotary Club of Hillsborough.

She and her husband, James, have three children, a daughter, Courtney and two sons, Nick and Brian, all of whom went from the Y team to college-level swimming.

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