Willonda McCloud Will Become YWCA Lancaster CEO

The nonprofit leader will succeed Stacie Blake starting on January 4, 2027.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a generic community administrative building featuring brick and stone elements, representing institutional leadership. — Willonda McCloud has been named the new CEO of YWCA Lancaster, succeeding Stacie Blake effective January 4, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Willonda McCloud has been appointed as the new CEO of YWCA Lancaster, officially beginning her tenure on January 4, 2027. She will replace outgoing CEO Stacie Blake, who is stepping down after leading the organization since 2019.

Why it matters

The transition marks a change in leadership for the local organization, which McCloud aims to guide in its mission to support women and combat racism. Stacie Blake is resigning from the post to move to Vermont to be closer to her children.

Willonda McCloud has over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, while outgoing CEO Stacie Blake served for seven years. McCloud previously oversaw Bright Side Opportunities Corp, which serves more than 5,000 residents annually.

The players

Willonda McCloud

She is the incoming CEO of YWCA Lancaster and previously served as the president and CEO of Bright Side Opportunities Corp since 2016.

Stacie Blake

She is the outgoing CEO of YWCA Lancaster who has led the organization since 2019 and plans to move to Vermont.

YWCA Lancaster

This is a local nonprofit organization based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dedicated to supporting women and fighting against racism.

Bright Side Opportunities Corp

This is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 5,000 residents annually and was formerly led by Willonda McCloud.

The details

Stacie Blake will work with McCloud to coordinate a leadership transition before her departure in December 2026. Meanwhile, the board of the organization has established a search committee to identify a replacement for McCloud at Bright Side Opportunities Corp.

Stacie Blake began her role as YWCA CEO in 2019.
Stacie Blake will resign from her position in December 2026.
Willonda McCloud begins her role as YWCA CEO on January 4, 2027.

Market Landscape

This transition aligns with the broader pattern of planned executive succession within the regional nonprofit sector. By securing a leader with deep local ties to similar service organizations, the board aims to maintain competitive operational continuity.

Residents who utilize YWCA Lancaster services should not expect changes to current programming during the transition period. The organization will continue to operate its daily services for the community throughout the shift in leadership.

The takeaway

Effective nonprofit leadership transitions often rely on structured handoff periods to maintain long-term institutional goals. Community members looking to support the organization's mission can track future public events to engage with the new leadership team.