YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Names Nicci Bucher as New CEO

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has named Nicci Bucher as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. Bucher, who was selected by the Y’s Board of Directors following a nationwide search, will succeed David Jezek, who announced his retirement in March of this year after serving the organization for 18 years. Bucher will take over leadership in November. 

In her new role, Bucher will lead the $23 million YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, an association serving more than 36,000 members and reaching over 70,000 individuals across southern Pinellas County. She will oversee the completion of key projects currently underway, including the Speer YMCA Preschool Academy expansion and the renovation of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA. Looking ahead, she will shape the strategy to drive continued growth and deepen the Y’s impact throughout the community. 

“Throughout our national search for a new CEO, Nicci quickly distinguished herself as the clear choice,” said Lucas DeVicente, search committee chair and incoming board chair for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “Her energy, vision, and passion for the YMCA are exactly what we sought in our next leader. With her extensive experience and impressive accomplishments at YMCA of Central Florida, along with her deep commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, Nicci is well-positioned to guide YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg into a strong and vibrant future.” 

“I am thrilled to join the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg family and to serve the St. Petersburg community,” said Bucher. “This organization is poised for incredible impact and I am honored to serve as its next CEO.” 

Bucher comes to YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg with over 20 years of progressive YMCA leadership experience. Bucher is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Central Florida, where she oversees an overall operational budget of $51.6 million spanning 14 family centers, four licensed early learning centers, and 30 before- and after-school sites in six counties. 

One of the most distinctive aspects of her career has been leading the nationally accredited early learning operations on Walt Disney World® Resort property. She also oversees YMCA of Central Florida’s long-standing partnership with Orange County Public Schools and the Lake Nona YMCA, which is co-located with an elementary school. Her responsibilities have also included oversight of middle school after-school programming, supported through strong city and county partnerships, ensuring accessible programming for youth. 

She serves on the Nemours Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board, where she helps align non-profit and healthcare partners to advance child health equity and shared resource strategies.

Bucher holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. She began her career in child welfare with the Florida Department of Children and Families. 

“Nicci’s leadership is defined by authenticity, vision, and the ability to build meaningful connections,” said Kim Jackson, current board chair of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “Her proven track record—launching cross-functional innovation teams, driving operational turnarounds, and leading high-impact initiatives in diverse markets—makes her the ideal choice to serve as our next CEO.” 

Bucher will move to St. Petersburg from her current location in Orlando. She has two children, both attending college in Florida. She enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring Florida’s waterways and nature, traveling with family and friends, and creating meaningful connections.