From staff reports

PARKERSBURG — A veteran executive has been appointed interim CEO of the YMCA of Parkersburg.

Edward Bohren retired in February of 2021 as the CEO of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, after 36 years of service. He spent 20 of his 36 years as CEO of the Licking County Family YMCA.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m excited to announce the decision to bring on Ed Bohren as the Parkersburg YMCA’s interim chief executive officer,” said Kevin Trippet, the chief volunteer officer at the local Y. “Ed brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience running YMCAs in various states. Originally from the Parkersburg/Belpre area, Ed will help us get the Y heading in a positive direction, and we look forward to his leadership in this exciting time for not only the Y but the services the Y brings to the community as well.”

Raised in southern Ohio, Bohren grew up swimming at the Marietta and Parkersburg YMCAs. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a bachelor’s degree in recreation studies and master’s degree in physical education administration from Ohio University.

Under his leadership, the Licking YMCA grew into the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, with three branches: the Licking County Family YMCA in Newark, the Muskingum County Family YMCA in Zanesville and the West Licking County Family YMCA in Pataskala.

The expansion has allowed the YMCA to serve both Licking and Muskingum counties with programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“The Y is like family,” Bohren said. “Over the years, most of the closest friends we have been blessed to have were the direct result of the Y, some members, fellow employees and colleagues. They have become lifelong friendships and relationships.

“Serving our community is the foundation of everything we do,” he said. “It has been a great privilege to be a part of an organization that impacts so many lives and makes our community a better place.”

Bohren’s appointment comes about five weeks after previous CEO Jeff Olson resigned prior to his arrest on three counts of display or distribution of obscene matter to a minor and one count of solicitation of a minor. Y officials said the incident did not involve any YMCA member or program participant.