In Memoriam for John W. Casey

Last Updated (Wednesday, 16 August 2017 15:21)

YMCA lay leaders and staff, and friends in the ecumenical movement will be saddened to learn that John W. Casey, former Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs and past President of Chicago YMCA past away at the age of 78.

John was born on the 18th of September 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, USA where he obtained his Bachelor’s and Masters’ Degree in Business Administration from Loyola University in Chicago.

He later on began to serve Chicago YMCA for more than twenty years where he became a President, CEO from 1982 to 1991. After which he went on to serve the World Alliance of YMCAs as Secretary General. This was significant as he was the first local YMCA executive to hold the position.

Upon the end of his term in 1998, he left two significant contributions in the movement. The first is the Mission Review Process that formulated the YMCA’s Mission Statement called as Challenge 21. The second was the Organization Review Process which reorganized top levels of the organizations providing better working conditions for National Movement, Area Organizations and World Alliance. Eventually this became a precursor for the development of the Governance Policy Agreement and the Global Operating Plan for Movement Strengthening.

John has dedicated a big portion of his life working for the mission of the YMCA. His endless and untiring dedication to forward the mission of the YMCA is an inspiration to many.

Our heartfelt sympathies to all family, friends and loved ones left behind.

Board and Staff Members of APAY