Anne N. Brigis is the president and chief executive officer for the YMCA of Long Island since 2012.
She passionately supports the Y’s areas of focus – youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As a result of her commitment to excellence, she established the Great South Bay YMCA facility in Bay Shore, in the 1990s as the association’s childcare incubator – home to full day childcare, afterschool childcare and UPK. Among the YMCA’s most recent accomplishments under Anne’s leadership, is a 30,000-square-foot healthy living center, a standalone extension of the Huntington YMCA.
The facility offers preventative health/wellness programs, group exercise, recreational sports and enrichment programs. She is also leading the vision for a state-of-the-art, $50 million health and wellness facility in Wyandanch.
Anne has also helped facilitate large-scale renovations and additions to YMCA facilities. These projects included the 11,000-square-foot expansion of the William and Martha Entenmann Pavilion at Great South Bay YMCA, focused on providing high-quality child care, the Patchogue Family YMCA, the Sammis Children’s Center at the Huntington YMCA, the Martone Children’s Center at the Glen Cove YMCA, and the YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts—a $2.5 million performing arts center.
In 2018, Anne was honored with two prestigious honors awards for her incredible efforts and dedication to empowering youth, fostering wellness, and facilitating economic growth throughout Long Island.
She was named one of Long Island’s Power Women in Business by the Long Island Press, and recognized as Distinguished Leader by the Advancement for Commerce, Industry and Technology.
Anne was presented with the Long Island Press award at the 2017 Power Women in Business Awards & Networking Event and the ACIT award at the organization’s Distinguished Business Leaders & Awards Luncheon.
Anne’s exemplary leadership has been recognized by the Association of YMCA Directors for Outstanding Service and Leadership Achievement in 1998 and 2004.
She was awarded the “Save a Child” Award from the Rotary Club Gift of Life in 1993 and Long Island Business News’ “Top Women of 2007”. In 2010, she was unanimously selected as the YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts “Ambassador of the Arts.”
As an integral part of the Y’s leadership team for over 30 years, and throughout her tenure, Anne has demonstrated a unique ability to lead, inspire, and think innovatively. Her institutional knowledge, internal and community relationships, and leadership skills enable her to bring the YMCA of Long Island to new heights.
Anne began her service as an associate director for Bethpage Federal Credit Union in 2013 and was elected to the board in October 2015. She has chaired the nominating and governance committees of the credit union; and presently serves as vice chair of the board. Anne has also served as chair of the New York State Alliance of Ys; chair of the Y Employee Benefits Management committee; in addition to a number of other Y-USA Committees.
Anne lives happily with her husband Anthony, in Sea Cliff. Her daughter, Joy, and her husband, John Paradise, live in Northport; and her son, Nicholas, and his significant other, Annie, reside in NYC.
“For over 100 years, The YMCA of Long Island has offered programs and services that support health and wellness, youth development, and is a center for community life.”
“I believe every community deserves a Y. I expect the next five years will be filled with opportunities to grow and thrive. We will work hard to drive innovation, program excellence, and operational strength for our Long Island communities.”
“My advice for other business owners is to be courageous, authentic, bold and kind. It’s important to remain flexible and agile in today’s ever-changing landscape. Let’s commit to working together to make Long Island a better place to live, work and play.”
