Atlanta, Georgia, United States, June 2026 — Anu Kothari has joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), bringing more than two decades of experience in human resources leadership, talent strategy, organizational development, workforce transformation, and employee engagement. Her appointment strengthens the YMCA’s leadership team as it continues its mission of building stronger communities and creating positive impact across the Atlanta region.
Sharing her enthusiasm for the new role, Anu highlighted her long-standing passion for helping organizations create environments where people can thrive and do their best work. She noted that the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities deeply resonates with her, particularly because her own family has experienced the positive impact of the organization firsthand. She expressed excitement about partnering with the dedicated employees and leaders who make the YMCA’s community impact possible every day.
Prior to joining the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Anu spent more than four years with Graphic Packaging International, where she held a series of increasingly senior Human Resources leadership roles. Most recently, she served as Director, HRBP – Foodservice, Beverage and Latin America, leading HR strategy for approximately 7,000 employees across more than 20 locations in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In this role, she partnered closely with operational and commercial leadership teams within a highly matrixed business environment.
Earlier at Graphic Packaging International, she held the positions of Director, HRBP – Americas, Foodservice and National, Director, HRBP – Americas, National, and Director, HRBP – Americas, Foodservice, where she played a key role in talent development, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and business transformation initiatives.
Before Graphic Packaging International, Anu served as Director, Human Resources at Oldcastle Infrastructure. Initially leading HR for the company’s East Region, she later became the organization’s first HR leader dedicated to Corporate Functions. In this capacity, she developed strategic HR operations initiatives spanning total rewards, payroll, HR technology, shared services, and enterprise-wide HR transformation.
A significant part of her career was spent with WestRock Company, where she held multiple HR leadership roles over nearly a decade, including Director, Human Resources, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Human Resources Business Partner, and Divisional Human Resources Manager. During this period, she partnered with business leaders to drive organizational capability, talent management, workforce planning, succession planning, performance management, and leadership development initiatives.
Earlier in her career, Anu worked with Chateau Elan as Human Resources Manager and spent nearly six years with Larson-Juhl, where she held positions including National Recruitment Specialist and Human Resources Representative. She began her professional journey as an Employee Relations Coordinator Intern at Target, laying the foundation for a successful career in human resources leadership.
With extensive experience across manufacturing, packaging, infrastructure, hospitality, retail, and community-focused organizations, Anu brings a strong blend of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and people-centric values to her new role. Her appointment is expected to further strengthen the YMCA’s commitment to employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.
About YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving individuals and families across the greater Atlanta region, the YMCA provides programs, services, and community initiatives that promote wellness, leadership development, education, and meaningful social impact.
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