James Morton serves as the 13^th president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. The YMCA of Greater Boston is the largest social services provider in Massachusetts, offering programs and services that nurture the potential of every child and teen, promotes health and well-being, and encourages social responsibility. He began his role on April 6, 2015.

Morton joined the YMCA of Greater Boston after serving YMCAs in Hartford, Connecticut and in Springfield, Massachusetts. Prior to joining the YMCA of Greater Boston, Morton served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford where the Y experienced considerable growth, developed innovative programming, improved the membership engagement experience, and built many collaborative relationships.  He also led a successful $15 million capital campaign and launched a new strategic plan to guide the work of the organization. 

Morton also has a deep personal and professional connection to work force development and education having served as a leader of two work force development agencies and as an educator in the Springfield (MA) Public Schools.

Morton earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin and his Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law.  He is a current member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, serves as Vice Chair of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, is a member of the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, serves on the City of Boston’s My Brother’s Keeper Advisory Board, is a Board member for Boston After School and Beyond, and is a former trustee of Springfield College.  In addition, he is and has been an active participant on numerous Y-USA committees and task forces on youth development, brand management, executive leadership and multiculturalism. 

On a personal note, Morton is of African-American and Irish descent, born James O’Shanna Morton, and believes his background, life experiences, and commitments drive his work as a servant leader and enable him to forge meaningful collaborative relationships. Morton is also a former world class runner and hopes to continue to compete in track and field in the near future. Morton is an All-American Masters track and field athlete and holder of several national Masters titles.