The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy (MEWSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new President and CEO, Laura Muñoz Humphreys, effective October 20, 2025.  Selected by the Y’s Board of Directors following a nationwide search, Humphreys will succeed Rose Cushing, who is stepping down after 36 years, 9 as President and CEO, this Fall.  Cushing is assisting Humphreys in her transition to her new role at MEWSA, where she will be responsible for implementing the organization’s recently revised Strategic Plan and taking the lead on all of the Y’s upcoming initiatives. 

Laura Muñoz Humphreys has nearly 30 years of transformative leadership in youth development, nonprofit innovation, and community advancement. She holds an Executive MBA and has served in senior leadership roles across the global YMCA movement. Deeply rooted in the YMCA, her journey began as a teen Youth & Government delegate and Counselor-in-Training.   Her family’s legacy of service—including her grandparents’ leadership of a residential home that provided care, education, and opportunity for children—further shaped her lifelong commitment to equity, community bridging and engagement, and access for all. 

In her most recent role, Humphreys has been serving as Regional Executive Director at the YMCA of San Diego County, leading the Association’s largest child and youth development portfolio. She also drives system-wide initiatives, including the expansion of Centers of Well-Being focused on the Social Determinants of Health, and champions international collaboration through a cross-border partnership with YMCA-Mexico. 

An active civic leader, Humphreys has served on boards including the Rotary Club, South County Economic Development Council (SCEDC), University of San Francisco’s Women in Leadership with AI-Driven Engagement, and Mae L. Feaster Charter School. Her contributions have been widely recognized: she was a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Non-Profit Visionary Award, honored by Las Primeras for her leadership in the community, and received the Pioneer Award from SCEDC. She also co-hosts a monthly leadership forum with government and business leaders, and in 2024, emceed the State of the City in Chula Vista.   

“I’m honored to be joining the YMCA of MEWSA and to have the chance to work alongside its incredible staff and volunteers. The Y has such a strong legacy in New Jersey, and I’m excited to build on that together. I look forward to getting to know the community and working side by side to strengthen the Y’s role in serving our neighbors. Together, I know we can grow our impact, deepen our community partnerships, and keep the Y at the heart of the families we serve,” said Humphreys. 

“We are extremely pleased that Laura has accepted the position of President and CEO,” said Dr. Joseph Gaffney, Chairman of the Board of Directors, adding that “her passion, professionalism, and experience made her the ideal candidate to follow Rose Cushing’s incredibly impactful service to our organization.”  

The Board, staff, and volunteers of the YMCA of MEWSA invite you to join them in welcoming Laura Muñoz Humphreys to our community and invite all to join them at a meet-and-greet to be scheduled this Fall. 

About the YMCA 

The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is a charitable, nonprofit organization devoted to supporting individuals and families—regardless of age, income or background—in their quest to realize their full potential through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day we serve over 20,000 YMCA members and 1,000 children in childcare in five communities throughout Middlesex County. The YMCA of MEWSA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.