WEST CHESTER, PA — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has been named a 2026 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer, marking the third consecutive year the organization has received the employee-driven recognition as it continues to rank among Chester County’s largest nonprofit employers.
The designation is based on confidential employee surveys conducted by Energage, an independent workplace research and employee engagement firm. The surveys measure factors including workplace culture, employee alignment, execution, and organizational connection.
The recognition comes as the YMCA marks the 175th anniversary of the national organization’s founding and highlights its economic footprint across the region.
According to the YMCA, the organization employs more than 1,600 people annually and contributes nearly $26 million to Chester County’s economy through its operations and workforce.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition, which is driven by employee feedback,” Natalia Gallon-Garcia, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s chief human resources officer, said in a statement. “It speaks to the culture our team has built together — one grounded in purpose, connection, and care.”
The YMCA attributed the award to employee feedback collected through the annual survey process. The organization noted that it has earned the designation each year since 2024.
President and CEO Bertram Lawson II connected the recognition to the organization’s broader community mission.
“At the Y, we come to work every day with a shared purpose—to strengthen our community,” Lawson said. “While our roles may differ, our commitment is the same: to create meaningful, lasting impact.”
The YMCA is currently recruiting for several positions, including summer camp counselors, lifeguards, and teachers.
The organization also highlighted employee benefits that include health insurance options, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition assistance, childcare support, mental health resources, and nutrition counseling.
Top Workplaces rankings are determined entirely by employee survey responses and are awarded annually to organizations across the Philadelphia region.
More information about employment opportunities is available at https://ymcagbw.org/about/careers.
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