Bill Kunert

Bill Kunert, CEO of the Butler YMCA, will retire this spring.

“It’s personal in terms of why,” Kunert of his retiring. He wants to spend more time with his family.

Kunert’s decision to retire was announced at the organization’s board meeting Dec. 9.

Jim Druschel, the board’s president, called Kunert a linchpin in the organization’s effort to restore its reputation in the community.

“We needed a new vision and leadership style and Bill fit that role perfectly,” Druschel said in an e-mail statement. “He worked tirelessly ... to ensure we are relevant in our community.”

Kunert took over the county’s YMCA organization on March 5, 2012, after serving as the district vice president of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh since 2008.

Kunert started in 1974 as a part-time staffer at North Borough YMCA running a program called Hot Stove Baseball. In 1980 Kunert was named executive director of that branch, and in 1986 took over the North Hills YMCA.

He would work there for more than 20 years, overseeing a capital campaign that led to the construction of the Baierl Family YMCA in Franklin Park, Allegheny County.

Kunert, who lives in Cranberry Township with his wife, Jan, said he brought that experience to bear during his time at the Butler organization. He focused on community outreach and developing what he said is a strong group of staff members and volunteers around the county.

“I think as a YMCA we weren’t as engaged with the community as we could have been,” Kunert said. “It’s a great county (with) some great people. The more I looked at it and talked to the volunteers, the more I liked it.”

Kunert said he won’t be involved directly in the search for his replacement, but will aid the board in setting up the interview process for candidates.