President and Chief Executive Officer

Eric Tucker is the President & CEO of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, where he has served since 2018. An Air Force veteran with nearly 30 years of YMCA leadership experience, he has overseen major facility expansions, fundraising campaigns, youth programs, and built strong community partnerships across North Texas. Eric also chairs the Texas State Alliance of YMCAs and leads international service trips to Vietnam, Peru, and Kenya. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Eric is known for his vision, data-driven leadership, and passion for strengthening communities both locally and globally.

Chief Financial Officer

With over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting, Lindsy Fernandez serves as the Chief Financial Officer at the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, where she oversees strategic fiscal planning and ensures the organization’s financial sustainability. Since joining the YMCA in 2014, she has played a pivotal role in its growth.  Her background includes both nonprofit and corporate roles, including Director of Finance at the Make-A-Wish Foundation and auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers. A Certified Public Accountant, she holds both a Master’s in Accounting and a BBA in Accounting from Texas Tech University.

Chief Operations Officer 

Cory Brazeal is the Chief Operations Officer for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, where he shapes programs, guides operations, and drives community impact across the association. With more than 25 years of experience in program development, strategic leadership, and nonprofit management, he has served in various roles at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, and joined the Arlington-Mansfield YMCA in 2009. Cory has led initiatives that expanded youth sports leagues, enhanced member engagement, renovated facilities and increased outreach and scholarship programs for underserved families.

Chief Mission Advancement Officer

Heidi Hardy is the Chief Mission Advancement Officer for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, where she drives growth through strategic community engagement and partnership development. With more than 25 years of experience in business ownership, nonprofit leadership, and public relations, she has lived and worked in Arlington for over two decades. Heidi has served on and chaired numerous boards and committees, including the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Women’s Alliance, the Women’s Advisory Council to the Mayor of Arlington, and Cancer Care Services. She and her husband, Michael, enjoy traveling, golfing, and spending time with family.

Chief Human Resources Officer

Suzanne Goswick is Chief Human Resources Officer for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, bringing over 35 years of experience in the HR industry. As part of the senior leadership team, she provides strategic direction for all human resources and leadership development functions, including talent management, compliance, employee relations, benefits, and training. She also advises YMCAs nationally on best practices in HR, salary administration, and handbook revisions, and oversees the regional training partnership for YMCAs across North Texas and Oklahoma.  She is also a past Chair of the Chief Human Resource Officers for YMCAs in North America and Canada.

Association Marketing Director

Holly brings 17 years of experience in nonprofit marketing, fundraising, and community engagement to her role as Director of Marketing at the YMCA. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections, telling the Y’s story, and inspiring support for programs that strengthen families and communities. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from UT – Austin and an MBA from the University of Texas Permian Basin. In addition to her role at the Y, Holly is the current Board Chair for Leadership Arlington and board member of her Rotary Club. A long-time Arlington resident, she is passionate about telling the Y’s story and making the community a place where everyone feels welcome.

Executive Director

Melissa Gross has served the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA since 2005 and now leads as Association Healthy Lifestyles Director and Executive Director of the North YMCA. Under her leadership, the branch has earned multiple “Best Fitness Center in Arlington” honors and became the first YMCA in Texas to offer Pedaling for Parkinson’s classes. With over 25 years of fitness experience and a degree in Health Fitness Management, Melissa continues to inspire members through both leadership and group exercise instruction. She also has a deep passion for traveling internationally and serving YMCAs in locations all over the world, including throughout South America.

Executive Director

Bailey Zawodniak serves as Executive Director of the Mansfield YMCA, where she leads the After School, Summer Camp, and Youth & Government programs. A lifelong YMCA participant, Bailey grew up learning to swim, playing volleyball, and developing her passion for working with kids. She has been part of the Y team for nearly five years and even traveled to Peru to serve at the YMCA’s summer camp. Dedicated to childcare programming, member engagement, and community connection, Bailey continues to create meaningful opportunities that strengthen youth, families, in the Arlington, Mansfield and Kennedale communities.

Senior Director

Izzy serves as the Director of the Youth Program Center for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, bringing over seven years of experience in youth development, and program management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Coaching, Sport, and Recreational Management from Angelo State University, where she also worked in aquatics and facilities. Izzy has designed and led a variety of youth programs that build confidence and belonging while fostering community connection. Passionate about the Y’s mission, she continues to strengthen youth and families through impactful programs and leadership.

Director of Community Impact

Joseph Williams is an experienced educator and mentor with a strong background in youth development, education, and community support. He has served in roles ranging from Education Facilitator at Seasons of Change, where he taught positive youth development curriculum to at-risk youth, to Guest Educator with Irving ISD, providing classroom leadership and support. Joseph has also worked extensively in direct care, helping individuals with developmental disabilities build independence, as well as mentoring teens through program creation at the Musgrave Boys & Girls Club. Recognized for excellence, he has received multiple awards, including the NAIA Character Award.

Association Property Manager

Matt Brinkley has dedicated 35 years to property management and decades of service with the YMCA, where he currently oversees all facility and property locations for the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, including renovations. He brings proven leadership from prior roles with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, the City of Arlington, and other organizations. With a strong background in electrical and construction work, along with years in the fitness industry, Matt offers a unique perspective on both operations and member experience. He is passionate about ensuring YMCA facilities and properties remain clean, safe, and well maintained so the Y’s mission can thrive every day.

Mission Advancement Coordinator

Paul Barton is a motivated and disciplined professional with experience in event planning, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. He has coordinated major projects such as the UTA Philanthropy Conference, led the Association of Fundraising Professionals at UT-Arlington as President, and partnered with organizations including Pour Ministries, Community Link, and The Other Ones Foundation to design fundraising strategies and service projects. Paul also brings over a decade of customer service experience, a background in fitness coaching, and military service as a U.S. Army Helicopter Powertrain Repairer with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.