Riel Peerbooms is Named the New CEO of Frost Valley YMCA

02/09/2023

Riel Peerbooms has been appointed as the new CEO following the retirement of long-time CEO Jerry Huncosky. Riel will join us effective March 3rd, following Jerry’s formal retirement at the end of this month.

Riel is uniquely qualified for the position, with over 30 years of experience working with non-profit organizations, specializing in youth service and development. He has served as the Executive Director of Trail Blazers Camp since 2008, leading the way in development and strategic planning, operations, donor management and recognition, as well as program management and educational design. His work to shape and remarkably expand the reach of Trail Blazers followed a career as teacher, counselor, and social worker during a career focused on serving children through education and camping. Riel has served as a member of Community Board 9 in Brooklyn for 5 years, has been Chair of Board 9’s Economic Development Committee since 2018, and Chair of that group’s Education Committee during the past three years.

Riel’s background in education is what led him to become an industry leader in non-profit camp organizations. “My early experiences in camp,” Riel recalls, “have influenced every subsequent role, as a science teacher, high school guidance and crisis counselor, community leader, and business executive. The camping perspective provided me with an ability to find uniquely effective and creative solutions to the challenges of the competitive non-profit landscape.”

A native of The Netherlands and a teacher and social worker by training, Riel has spent the balance of his professional life in New York City, helping significantly to grow the youth services movement overall, while effectively managing the operations and finances of his own organization through fund raising in support of financial aid for children, robust strategic planning, and successful trustee engagement.

“I know I speak for everyone at Frost Valley in welcoming Riel to his new role,” adds Kate Lewis, President of Frost Valley’s Board of Trustees, “and I want to express my great enthusiasm for his leadership and to share in my excitement as he experiences all of the delights that await him at Frost Valley.”

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Frost Valley YMCA

Frost Valley YMCA is a 5,500-acre, year-round camp - There's something for everyone here in the Valley. From group and family retreats to overnight camps to horse camps to teambuilding, we've got you covered. School groups love taking a three-night field trip to explore the natural world and learn about the environment and their classmates. Family weekends are the perfect getaway for the young and the young at heart. Teambuilding retreats afford corporate, collegiate, religious, and other groups the opportunity to challenge themselves and effectively work toward common goals. In the summertime we're where kids and teens gain independence, explore the world, and make lifelong friends through various camps such as traditional sleepaway camp, farm camp, horse camp, adventure trips, and day camp. Call (845)985-2291 or email info@frostvalley.org to learn more today!