We are proud to announce that after an extensive national search, Mario Valenzuela has been named the new Chief Mission Advancement Officer (CMAO) for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, effective September 8th.
Mario’s appointment reflects more than two decades of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve. A Los Angeles native, Mario began his YMCA journey in frontline community roles and has grown through the ranks, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Social Impact, where he led innovative strategies to advance equity, community health, and civic engagement across Los Angeles County.
“Mario’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the YMCA of LA’s identity as the Center for Community Well-Being,” said Victor Dominguez, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. “His ability to build authentic partnerships, lead with empathy, and deliver results makes him the ideal person to lead our mission advancement work at this pivotal moment. We are excited to see how his leadership will further strengthen our impact and deepen our commitment to equity and community transformation.”
Over the years, Mario has played a key role in launching the YMCA’s Social Impact Department, scaling its operations from startup phase to over $9.5 million annually in revenue. His accomplishments include securing a $7.5 million state budget allocation, leading seven-figure partnerships, and guiding critical initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic that provided support to thousands of Angelenos when it was needed most. His exceptional service has been recognized with the Waller Taylor Award, one of the YMCA’s highest honors for distinguished service and impact.
In his new role as CMAO, Mario will oversee and integrate all mission advancement efforts across the organization, spanning fundraising, social impact, community partnerships, and advocacy. His charge includes leading a cross-functional team focused on community well-being, equity, youth civic leadership, immigrant integration, and mental health across all of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles’ centers.
“I am deeply honored to step into this role at an organization that has shaped so much of who I am as a leader and community advocate,” said Mario Valenzuela. “The YMCA has always been more than a place, it’s a movement grounded in purpose. I’m excited to continue this journey with our incredible team, partners, and supporters to expand our impact and bring lasting, equitable change to communities across Los Angeles.”
Please join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for both Mario Valenzuela and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. As the Center for Community Well-Being, we are committed to creating spaces where dignity, belonging, and equity thrive and Mario’s leadership will be a powerful force in advancing that vision.
All of us in the Y family are inspired to see someone with Mario’s passion, purpose, and proven leadership step into this vital role. With him at the helm of Mission Advancement, we are more energized than ever to Be Well. Do Good. Lead Change.
Congratulations, Mario and here’s to the impact we will make together.