Bill Soper has been part of the YMCA movement for over 40 years, beginning as a day camp counselor and youth sports coach at the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties in Fargo, North Dakota. After graduating from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree, he accepted his first full-time role with the YMCA of Delaware. He later returned to North Dakota to serve as CEO of the James River Family YMCA in Jamestown.

Since 1995, Bill has served as CEO of the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, working with a mission-driven team focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. During this time, the La Crosse Y has grown from 4,400 to 24,000 members, expanded to two full-facility branches, and developed strong partnerships across the community—including a strong and robust relationship with Emplify Health.

Bill has also served in volunteer leadership roles with the YMCA of the USA and the Upper Midwest Alliance of Ys. He and his wife, Ellen, are parents of four children and grandparents to five—all living in the La Crosse community.