How Darcy Swan, CNP, Leads Youth Development at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Amid a whirlwind of shifting priorities and tight deadlines looming in 2025, Darcy Swan, CNP, does what she always does. She pauses to make space for people. 

Her team had been stretched thin. Last-minute changes piling up, and the pressure is on. But instead of rushing into action, she gathered everyone to regroup. Not to problem solve, but to take a breath. To focus. To remember what mattered most. “Focus time has become something I make sure I incorporate into my schedule and encourage my team to do the same,” she says. “We’re more productive, and we’re accomplishing the right things when we pause to prioritize.” 

That clarity is part of what makes her different. Darcy doesn’t lead from urgency. She leads from purpose. As Senior Vice President of Youth Development Services at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Darcy is responsible for programs that serve thousands of young people every year. But if you ask her what she really does, she’ll tell you it’s about people.  

Building trust. Shaping culture. Investing in the next generation and in the professionals who support them. 

A Mission to Serve Kansas City Youth

Like many others, Darcy’s career didn’t start out in the nonprofit sector. “I started my career as a seventh and eighth grade English teacher.” That path led to roles as an instructional coach and later, a school principal. The work was meaningful, but she was ready for a new chapter where she could broaden her impact. Moving into youth development work outside the classroom was exactly that next right step. 

Today, Darcy’s impact stretches far beyond the walls of one school. At the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, she oversees after-school care, summer camps, and behavioral health services across the KC metro area. When she’s not keeping programs running, she’s reimagining what youth development looks like in a time when communities need it most. “My goals for 2025 are improving revenue strategies, improving program quality, and staff retention,” she says.  

A Culture of Belonging 

During our conversation, one thing became clear: Darcy doesn’t make things about herself. When asked about her team, though, her whole demeanor lights up. “We know how important it is to retain high-quality staff,” she says. “And we pay close attention to feedback from families.” At the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, relationships are the foundation of everything. Especially in programs that rely on grants and community partnerships. Trust is essential. 

Even as a senior leader, Darcy is always trying to learn something new. That mindset is what led her to pursue the nationally recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Professional Track Program in July 2024 through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. “The CNP credential has helped me be more intentional about how I approach the nonprofit side of this work,” she says. 

To her, nonprofit management isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying present enough to ask the right questions. A self-proclaimed leadership nerd, she’s constantly reading, reflecting, and bringing new ideas back to her team. “I’m really interested in reading professional literature that focuses on leadership and emotional intelligence,” she says. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead is a personal favorite: direct and deeply human – much like Darcy herself. 

A Promise, Not a Program

In a sector where burnout is common and pressure is sky-high, Darcy offers something different. Steady leadership and a deep belief in people’s potential. She doesn’t lead with ego; she leads with care. She believes teams work better when they have time to reflect, grow, and recharge. That might sound like guidance for her staff, but it’s also seen as a quiet promise to the youth and families she serves. 

Youth development is a promise. And Darcy Swan shows up every day to keep it. 

Inspired by Darcy’s story? Join the national movement of purpose-driven professionals with the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential!  

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