YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts is excited to announce the promotion of Maricelis Ortiz to Chief Executive Officer, September 8th, 2025. After an extensive search process, the YWCA Board of Directors is confident that Maricelis, who has served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer for two years, is the ideal leader to guide the YWCA into its next chapter. This announcement follows the retirement of long-time CEO Susan Staples, who has served the organization with dedication for over 21 years.
Maricelis Ortiz brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been with the YWCA for 28 years. Her deep understanding of the organization’s mission, paired with her academic credentials – a bachelor’s in psychology and a Master’s in Non-Profit Management and Philanthropy – uniquely position her to continue driving the YWCA’s vital work in Essex County and the Merrimack Valley.
When asked about her excitement for the new role, Maricelis shared, “I am deeply honored to step into this role and lead an organization I believe in wholeheartedly. As a woman, I am empowered by the opportunity to support other women and families through the work we do at the YWCA. I am particularly proud to be the first Latina to lead the YWCA in its 133-year history. The mission of the YWCA has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am excited to help shape the future of our community programs and continue our work to create lasting change.”
The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Maricelis to the Chief Executive Officer role. Maricelis’s dedication to highlighting the vital work of our 25+ community programs in Essex County and the Merrimack Valley is exactly the kind of passion needed to continue to drive the mission forward.
Susan Staples, who will step down as CEO after 8 years at the helm, has worked alongside Maricelis for nearly two decades. Reflecting on their time together, Sue shared, “it is an amazing moment for the YWCA to have Maricelis, with all her knowledge, experience, dedication, and passion step into the role of CEO. I couldn’t be more proud or excited- for the YWCA and the community! She is the right person at the right time to take things to the next level.”
The YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts serves over 25 community programs across Essex County, helping thousands of women, children, and families. As Maricelis steps into her new role, she remains focused on furthering the YWCA’s mission of empowering women and eliminating racism through advocacy, support, and outreach.