Gary D. Ivory is a visionary nonprofit executive, strategist, and servant leader with over 30 years of experience in driving organizational growth, developing high-impact programs, and leading transformative change in communities across the United States. As President and CEO of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., he oversees one of the largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing alternatives to incarceration and congregate care placements. Under his leadership, YAP operates in 35 states and internationally, with a budget exceeding $110 million annually and partnerships in Ireland, Australia, Sierra Leone, and Guatemala.
A seasoned leader in strategy, board governance, program development, and financial oversight, Gary has spent his career advocating for solutions that address systemic inequities and reduce violence in underserved communities. His passion for creating lasting change is evident in his ability to develop programs that disrupt cycles of incarceration, promote rehabilitation, and provide young people with access to education and employment opportunities.
Gary’s tenure with YAP began in 1992 as Program Director of the Mercer County Advocate Program in Trenton, New Jersey. Recognizing his leadership potential, he was soon promoted to Regional Director for Texas in 1995, where he played a pivotal role in mediating a truce between rival gang members, orchestrating the “Tour of the South” campaign to combat gang violence, and expanding YAP’s footprint across the Southwest.
In 1996, his leadership earned him a prestigious spot as one of ten national leaders selected for the Children and Family Fellowship at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This fellowship allowed him to work alongside national policy experts, ultimately leading to a role as Director of the Community Assets Division at the Enterprise Foundation from 1997 to 1999. During his tenure, he managed national community safety initiatives, supportive housing programs, and AmeriCorps projects, further cementing his expertise in nonprofit program execution and public policy engagement.
Gary returned to YAP in 1999 as Southwest President and National Director of New Business Development, spearheading the organization’s expansion and securing multi-million-dollar funding streams. From 2004 to 2020, he served as YAP’s National Director of New Business Development, where he led and negotiated tens of millions of dollars in government contracts, driving significant growth and sustainability for the organization.
Throughout his career, Gary has built a legacy of leadership, innovation, and impact, consistently aligning organizational growth with mission-driven solutions. His deep expertise in strategy execution, board recruitment, financial sustainability, and systems integration has positioned him as a sought-after leader in the nonprofit and social services sectors. His commitment to justice and equity continues to shape national conversations around criminal justice reform, youth advocacy, and community development.
Gary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Austin College and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, with additional coursework at Princeton University. Dedicated to lifelong learning and leadership development, he has completed executive education programs at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business (Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders), Harvard University’s Kennedy School (Performance Measurement for Nonprofit Organizations), Harvard’s Negotiation Project, and the Wharton Aresty Institute for Executive Education (Corporate Governance: Maximize Your Effectiveness in the Boardroom). Additionally, he is certified in the Chief Executive Operating System (C.E.O.S.), further enhancing his strategic and operational leadership capabilities.
As a public speaker, minister, and writer, and he frequently speaks on violence prevention, community engagement, and systemic reform. His personal mission statement, “To alleviate human suffering, contribute to global peacemaking, and create solutions for persistent societal problems,” underscores his unwavering dedication to improving lives and transforming communities.
With a proven track record in executive leadership, board governance, and social impact, Gary Ivory is a highly sought-after board member and advisor, ready to help organizations navigate growth, sustainability, and meaningful change in today’s complex landscape.
Character: Gary Ivory is a servant leader dedicated to alleviating human suffering and fostering transformative change through advocacy and community empowerment.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, board governance, and program development, he has deep expertise in strategy, financial oversight, and social impact initiatives.
Strategic: He has successfully led national and international expansions, secured multi-million-dollar funding, and implemented innovative solutions to reduce incarceration and violence.
Communication: As a public speaker, minister, and thought leader, he effectively engages diverse audiences on issues of justice, equity, and systemic reform while inspiring action and policy change.
