A seasoned and proven leader, Laurie A. Halaska has more than 16 years of experience working for the YMCA. During her career, she has embraced the Y’s mission and worked tirelessly to further its cause in a number of communities throughout the Midwest.
A native of Chicago, Laurie earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance from DePaul University. Upon graduation, Laurie spent 13 years at Allstate Insurance Corporate offices as a Controller in their Commercial Division located in South Barrington, IL.
During that time, Laurie and her husband Christopher resided in Mt. Prospect, IL. Upon the birth of their second child, Laurie was fortunate to take time off and stay home with the children. As their family grew, so did the need for a larger home, which lead Laurie and Christopher to relocate to Shorewood, IL.
It is at this time, Laurie was reentering the workforce where she was blessed to accept a position at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA as their Membership Director. During her 13 years in Joliet, she worked as a Membership Director and a Branch Executive of an existing facility, as well as starting a non-facility location in Morris, IL. During her 11-year tenure as a Branch Exec, Laurie oversaw a budget of $2 million and a staff of 150.
In 2015, Laurie became the Chief Executive Officer of the Crossroads YMCA located in Lake County, IN. In this role, she provided leadership to four branches and oversaw a budget of $4 million and a staff of 500. Under her leadership, the Crossroad Y’s membership, program enrollment and retention reached all-time highs. Laurie’s leadership also turned the Crossroads Y into a growing, community based association poised for future expansion.
Please join us in welcoming Laurie and her husband Christopher to our La Porte County Family YMCA.
