Carolyn Helmlinger has been named interim CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. Her first day on the job was Monday.

"I believe in the culture of strong families, strong communities and strong children," Helmlinger says of her connection to the organization.

Helmlinger has a background in management and most recently was the president and CEO of the Mid-America Group in West Des Moines, Iowa. She left that post nearly three years ago to move to northern Michigan.

She says she was approached by some members of the community about assisting during this period while the board searches for the Y's next leader. The board parted ways with longtime CEO Tom Van Deinse in early August.

Helmlinger lives in Northport and also has a consulting business and brokerage, both of which she has put on the back burner for now. "My job is to make sure the transition is smooth."