YMCA

Meeting Location: Hiawatha Community Center (connected to City Hall – 101 Emmons Street, Hiawatha, 52233)

Cari McCoy is a people-first leader and community builder who believes strong organizations have the power to strengthen entire communities. As President & CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA, she is focused on expanding opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and belonging across Eastern Iowa. Known for connecting vision with action, Cari brings clarity, heart, and momentum to complex challenges—rallying people around shared purpose and meaningful impact.

Prior to joining the YMCA, Cari served as Vice President of Strategy & Execution at Van Meter and previously as CEO and President of Clickstop. With a background spanning strategy, operations, marketing, and organizational leadership, she is known for her authentic leadership style, her ability to build trust across teams, and her passion for helping people and organizations thrive. Grounded in her education in psychology, Cari approaches leadership with a deep understanding of what motivates people and creates lasting connection.

Beyond her professional work, Cari is deeply engaged in the Cedar Rapids community. She has been recognized by the Corridor Business Journal as both a Forty Under 40 recipient and one of the region’s most influential business leaders. She serves on the boards of Marion Economic Development Corporation and Goodwill of the Heartland and has held leadership roles with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Workforce Innovation Council and ImpactCR. She is also an active mentor who cares deeply about investing in the next generation of leaders.

A Cedar Rapids native and Coe College graduate, Cari believes Eastern Iowa is one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family. She and her husband are raising two active daughters, and Cari enjoys spending time kayaking, gardening, reading, and serving her community.