Day: January 30, 2026

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia announces the promotion of Mary Arocha to Chief Operating Officer (COO), following her successful service as Interim COO over the past six months.

“It is with tremendous confidence and excitement that I announce Mary’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Mary has served this organization and our communities for many years in a wide range of leadership roles. Having lived and breathed most every situation imaginable, she brings a thorough understanding of branch operations, strong relationships across our service area, and a steady, positive leadership style,” Smoker said.

Arocha’s YMCA career spans more than 30 years, beginning with the Metro Atlanta association, leading tennis camps as a teaching Tennis Pro. Since joining the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Mary has served at multiple branches and levels of the organization, including Physical Director, Aquatics and Fitness Director, Associate Branch Director, Executive Director, District Vice President, and Senior Vice President of Healthy Living.  

“Mary’s cheerfulness and bright smile make an unforgettable first impression,” Smoker added. “Her firm, positive ‘we can do this’ attitude, paired with her calm demeanor when faced with adversity, are among her finest attributes and reflect the heart of the YMCA.”

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a degree in Marketing Management, Mary was a four-year athletic scholarship recipient in tennis and earned the Scholar Athlete Award upon graduation. She has held leadership roles within the Metro Atlanta YMCA and has contributed to fitness and weight management initiatives alongside national YMCA leaders.

As COO, she now oversees operations across 11 branches serving more than eight counties in Southeast Georgia.

“I have a deep love for people and a strong desire to help them achieve their goals,” said Arocha. “I believe God has a purpose for each one of us, and we can better accomplish that purpose through a healthy lifestyle and a physically fit body. When we take care of ourselves, we feel better about ourselves, and we can do so much more for our communities.”

Mary is a National YMCA Listen First trainer and serves on the Board of the YMCA Professional Network (YPN) as the Lead for Wellness in Georgia peer communities. She is also a member of the Board of Healthy Savannah and a graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia, Class of 2025. Her recognitions include Program Director of the Year (2003), Presidential Staff Award (2012), Branch Director of the Year (2012), and the YMCA “C” Award for AYP Recognition of Excellence.

“I give all honor and glory for my achievements to God,” Arocha shared. “I have a love for people, and I want to see them grow in spirit, mind, and body. When we invest in people and their well-being, we strengthen families, communities, and the mission of the YMCA.”