keynotes
2026 Keynote Speakers
We are excited to present this year’s Keynote Speakers!
Joann Donnelly
The Keynote:
The YMCA is deeply committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. This dedication is reflected in the organization’s youth-serving programs, which provide vital opportunities to model effective leadership.
Amid the busy day-to-day operations of YMCA programs, it is sometimes easy to lose sight of the crucial role that leadership plays. Leadership serves as the foundation for all YMCA activities, reminding staff and volunteers that their responsibilities include both leading themselves and guiding others.
This session draws on current evidence to encourage attendees to reflect upon and renew their commitment to what it means to be a leader in today’s cultural environment. Participants will explore practical leadership strategies and enjoy a dynamic, engaging experience throughout the session.
Speaker Bio:
Since COVID-19, Joann Donnelly has been consulting to both local and state alliance YMCAs in the areas of Leadership Development and Healthy Living, as well as on CDC funded projects for the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors in the areas of Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities and Brain Health.
She spent 22 years in 5 YMCAs in 5 states, the last of which was the New York City Y
As part of her YMCA work in innovation and managing the change that comes with it, 20 years ago she was one of the first people in the Y movement to become externally certified as a lifestyle and executive coach, and still holds YMCA Faculty status in multiple courses including Leading and Coaching Others.
Joann holds a Master's degree in Psychology and is a single parent to 3 children, who all clocked thousands of hours in critical YMCA programs and services including after school, day camp and youth sports.
Dan Weir
The Keynote:
Why Some Camps Fill
Session Description:
What sets thriving camps apart? This keynote explores the strategies that successful camps use to grow year after year. Drawing from parent survey data and real-world examples, we’ll look at how intentional culture, empowering program design, and culture can elevate your camp experience. Leave inspired, with ready-to-use ideas that build camper excitement, family confidence, and staff pride.
Learning Objectives:
Discover what families value most when choosing a camp and how you can highlight your program’s strengths.
Explore how structured progression and camper choice create deeper engagement and memorable experiences.
Gain strategies to strengthen camp culture, grow future leaders, and create a community that people want to return to.
Speaker Bio:
Having seen dozens of programs each summer, Dan Weir is fascinated by the influence of leaders at camp. Dan founded Day Camp Community, a support structure for YMCA Day Camps. Known for taking on the challenges facing youth-serving organizations, he is also a Senior Consultant at Immersive1st. With a Master's Degree specializing in youth development, Dan's work has been recognized for program and research excellence.