YWCA Dayton CEO leaving after nearly 10 years of service

YWCA Dayton's Board of Directors have accepted the resignation of Shannon Isom as president and CEO, who is leaving the organization after nearly a decade of transformative service.Isom's resignation is effective Jan. 6, 2023.  She has accepted the position as President and CEO of Community Shelter Board in Columbus after serving as president and CEO of YWCA Dayton since December 2013.Isom began her professional career working for the YWCA in Columbus as a manager of a trial program in conjunction with the CDC and YWCA USA to ensure marginalized women had access to breast and cervical screenings.  Under her leadership, including her time as the Board Chair, the YWCA Dayton has become the region’s driving force for the critical work of eliminating racism and empowering women.“Shannon’s commitment to the core values of eliminating racism and empowering women cannot be overstated," YWCA Dayton Board Chair Jennifer Heapy said . "We are grateful for Shannon’s strategic vision and tireless advocacy.  Her vision and leadership will leave the YWCA Dayton well-positioned to continue the work of fighting for women and racial justice.  The Board is working closely with YWCA USA to identify an interim CEO.”During her tenure as CEO, Isom has received numerous awards including, Antioch College Coretta Scott King Justice Award, Dayton Business Journal Forty under 40, Leadership Dayton, Dayton Business Journal 50 Most Powerful Women, and WIBN Top 25 Women to Watch. Additionally, she was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton, and the National Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.In the community, Isom's work included serving on numerous boards and committees including board member for the Dayton Downtown Partnership, Co-Op Dayton, Community Appeals Board for the City of Dayton, Dayton Metro Library, and Miami Valley Regional Planning Committee.  She served on the Executive Advisory Committee for the Human Rights Center at the University of Dayton and as co-chair of Racism as a Public Health Crisis Task Force.“I have been lucky enough to lead -- at least for a season -- at YWCA Dayton and to be part of the succession of leaders at this great organization," Isom said. "But YWCA Dayton has been standing strong since 1870 and has been on this corner as a fortress since 1913. I am assured and positive that YWCA will be in good hands with the next leader.”