Darryl Head named president and CEO of YMCA of Florida’s First Coast

Head succeeds Eric Mann, who plans to retire in June after 14 years as the top executive.


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  • | 4:39 p.m. March 4, 2026
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The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast announced March 2 it had appointed Darryl Head to succeed Eric Mann as president and chief executive officer.
The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast announced March 2 it had appointed Darryl Head to succeed Eric Mann as president and chief executive officer.
Courtesy of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast
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The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast appointed Darryl Head to succeed Eric Mann as president and chief executive officer.

In a news release, the organization said Head would join the Northeast Florida association in early May. Mann is scheduled to retire at the end of June after serving YMCAs across the nation for more than 40 years, including 14 as the top executive of the First Coast association. 

“Darryl is a proven leader and faithful steward of the association’s values – dedicating his life to strengthening communities,” Pam Smith, board chair of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, said in the release. 

“Known for his visionary leadership, he is well-positioned to deepen the YMCA’s life-changing impact for children, families and communities across Northeast Florida.”

Head was president and CEO of YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, where he led a team of 1,425 employees across 14 branches and four corporate wellness centers in eight counties. 

The release said Head would focus on “strengthening community partnerships, enhancing member engagement and positioning the organization for continued growth and long-term sustainability across Northeast Florida.”

Head, a runner and youth sports coach, was chosen after a nationwide search. 

 

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