The Bellingham chapter of the YWCA has a new CEO in Alle Schene, the organization’s former chief financial officer and interim CEO, who has been serving nonprofits in a financial capacity since 2012.
After a six-month nationwide search, Schene rose to the top of the pool.
“It is a wonderful testament to her leadership, professionalism and executive level capabilities — as well as her service-oriented heart for our community,” board Co-Chair Cathy Lehman said in a statement from the YWCA.
Schere has been with the YWCA since 2016, her title of CEO became official in December 2023. In her new position, she will lead a team of 11 in the organization’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Since her appointment, the Bellingham YWCA has been running a winter shelter and setting up more housing in a recent $1.8 million property purchase.
“I feel strongly that I’m here to build more solutions for womxn in Whatcom County facing housing instability, as well as deepen the YWCA’s commitment to eliminating racism with tangible action, and amplify existing local efforts to root out oppression of all kinds,” Schene said in the statement.
