Visionary Leader Takes the Helm as Board Chair

YMCA of San Diego County welcomes five new board members for the 2023-2024 term

Margie Newman Tsay, board chair of the YMCA of San Diego CountySan Diego, CA – June 28, 2023 – The YMCA of San Diego County proudly announces the appointment of Margie Newman Tsay to a two-year term as chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors, effective July 1. Margie will assume the role of chair from longtime San Diego business executive Bill Geppert, who will now serve as immediate past chair.

Newman Tsay, an award-winning public relations strategist and founder of Intesa Communications Group, has served on the Y's Corporate Board of Directors since 2017. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the organization's mission will drive positive change within the Y and throughout the San Diego community.

“It is a professional and personal privilege to serve as the next chair of the board for the YMCA of San Diego County,” Newman Tsay said. “The YMCA's staff, programs, and services quite literally transform lives, and I am committed to ensuring that the Y continues – with great intention – to support and enhance the well-being of ALL individuals and families throughout our region.”

Before founding Intesa in 2012, Newman Tsay served as a media relations and social media manager for The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, D.C. Her career has spanned public, private, government and nonprofit entities, including time with Tennessee-based public affairs firm Hall Strategies and serving as a press aide to former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Newman Tsay was recognized as one of San Diego's "40 under 40" by SDMETRO Magazine in 2016, named among the San Diego Business Journal's 2017 and 2021 Business Women of the Year, and was named the International Association of Business Communicators San Diego 2018 Communicator of the Year. Newman Tsay considers her two children, Suzie and CJ, to be most significant accomplishments.

"We are thrilled to have Margie Newman Tsay as our new board chair," said Todd Tibbits, President and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County. "We are confident that her leadership, professional experience, unmatched energy, and proven commitment to our mission will profoundly impact our organization and the broader community. Our team eagerly anticipates collaborating with Margie to further strengthen San Diego through positive youth development and well-being initiatives.”

Margie's election as board chair signals an exciting post-pandemic chapter for the YMCA of San Diego County. In addition, the board of directors welcomes five new members:

  • Jim Nuckols, chief marketing officer, Sharp Healthcare
  • Michael Paris, senior vice president, U.S. Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Group
  • Cesar Escuro, deputy chief of professional standards, County of San Diego
  • Danielle Moore, partner/employment attorney, Fisher Phillips
  • Mark Navarra, managing partner, Jerome’s Furniture

For more information about the YMCA of San Diego County, please visit www.ymcasd.org.

About the YMCA of San Diego County

The YMCA of San Diego County is one of the largest Y associations in the nation, serving nearly 400,000 San Diego County residents and employing more than 3,500. Through a variety of programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y unites men, women and children - regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of San Diego County is a nonprofit with a mission to nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body so all can thrive while honoring our faith-based heritage. Visit ymcasd.org to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292-YMCA (9622).

Media Contact

Dan Cruz, 619-925-7671