The YMCA of the Chesapeake has named Megan Milliken as its new Chief Financial Officer, welcoming back an accomplished nonprofit executive whose professional journey began on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and whose career has been dedicated to strengthening communities throughout the Chesapeake region. Milliken returns to help lead one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations, serving communities across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Virginia’s Upper Eastern Shore, and Southern Maryland.
A graduate of Washington College with a degree in Environmental Studies, Milliken’s commitment to the region began as a student on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. She launched her professional career with the Town Creek Foundation, supporting millions of dollars in grantmaking that strengthened nonprofit organizations and environmental initiatives across Maryland.
Milliken joined the YMCA of the Chesapeake in 2018 as Development Director, where she partnered with staff, volunteers, and community leaders across the association to expand philanthropic support and strengthen the organization’s fundraising infrastructure. During her tenure, she managed approximately 30 grants annually, increased grant revenue by 96 percent, and created the YMCA’s Difference Maker monthly giving program, helping position the organization for continued growth.
After leaving the YMCA, Milliken continued to build her executive leadership experience. She served as the first Development Director for the Institute for Public Health Innovation before becoming Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network, where she led organizational strategy, financial oversight, policy development, risk management, and long-term planning. Along the way, she earned her designation as a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional and is completing her Master of Business Administration.
Now, she returns to the YMCA of the Chesapeake as Chief Financial Officer, bringing home more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep understanding of the communities the YMCA serves.
“Megan’s return to the YMCA is a tremendous win for our organization and the communities we serve,” said Robbie Gill, President & CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. “She understands our mission because she helped build it. Since leaving the YMCA, she has developed into an exceptional executive leader with extensive experience in financial strategy, organizational management, compliance, and long-term sustainability. We’re excited to welcome her back home and know her leadership will help position the YMCA for an even stronger future.”
As Chief Financial Officer, Milliken will oversee the YMCA’s financial operations, budgeting, financial reporting, audit coordination, treasury management, internal controls, and long-term financial strategy.
“I’m honored to return to the YMCA of the Chesapeake,” said Milliken. “This organization played an important role in my professional journey, and I look forward to working alongside an outstanding team to ensure the YMCA remains financially strong and continues creating opportunities for individuals and families throughout the region.”
The YMCA of the Chesapeake serves communities across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Virginia’s Upper Eastern Shore, and Southern Maryland through 12 locations, serving more than 48,000 members with the support of more than 1,000 employees. The association operates with an annual budget of approximately $22 million, provides more than $2 million in financial assistance each year to ensure that everyone has access to YMCA programs regardless of their ability to pay, and invests an additional $800,000 annually in direct outreach and evidence-based health intervention programs that improve health, strengthen families, and build more connected communities.
Milliken’s appointment reflects the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to investing in outstanding leadership while ensuring the long-term financial strength of an organization that has served the region for more than 165 years.
About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The YMCA of the Chesapeake is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving communities across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Virginia’s Upper Eastern Shore, and Southern Maryland, the YMCA operates 12 locations and provides programs and services that help people of all ages learn, grow, and thrive. Through membership, health intervention programs, youth development, aquatics, camps, and community outreach, the YMCA works every day to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their ability to pay.
