Celebrating Leadership That Stands in the Gap

As part of the 2025 inaugural class, the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s President & CEO, Loria Yeadon, was named one of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs — a an honor for a leader who brings empathy, clarity of vision, and an unwavering commitment to equity for all to every challenge. 

Loria is an accomplished engineer, attorney, and the first woman and first person of color to lead our organization — but what shines most brightly is how she leads in service to all, especially those who need us most. At the awards dinner on August 6, she highlighted the Y’s work in this way: 

The stakes are high and the consequences are real. But we are standing tall and in the gap, trusting that our best work is enough and that history will judge us favorably for our stand for a more equitable future for all.

In receiving the award, Loria noted that the recognition truly belongs to all Y leaders: our dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and the supporters across the Puget Sound region. Loria focuses with intention on building a culture where everyone has the tools to grow, the space to learn, and the agency to lead with purpose. Her belief that leadership matters at every level resonates deeply across the Y. We are honored to stand and lead alongside you, Loria—today and always. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for embodying the values that make the Y a place of belonging, opportunity, and hope for all.