1871

The Association is formally organized by 11 men on board a steamer on the Potomac River. Its first name was the Association of General Secretaries of the Young Men's Christian Association of the United States and British Provinces. This meeting also marked the first of the annual, biennial, or triennial conferences of the employed officers of the YMCA that have continued in some form (uninterrupted) to this day.

1888

"Gymnasium supervisors" are admitted to the annual conference for the first time at the request of Luther Gulick, thus identifying a new type of secretary—the Christian physical education director.

1890

Provisions are made at the annual conference for "sectional" meetings.

1903

Organization's name is changed to the Association of Employed Officers of the Young Men's Christian Association (EOA).

1904

The Employed Officers Relief Fund is initiated. This was the forerunner of AYP's Emergency Assistance Fund.

1906

Sections are formally organized and they begin planning their own programs at conferences. Over the next six years (1906-1911), ten sections come into existence.

1911

EOA leaders initiate the idea for a YMCA Retirement Fund.

1921

Forum, the Association's professional journal, is first published. In the beginning, it is available through a subscription. Twelve months later, it is included as a "privilege" of membership and included in the annual dues.

1922

EOA leaders initiate the idea of a certification process for YMCA secretaries.

1936

Organization's name is changed to the Association of Secretaries (AOS).

1939

Geographical chapters are officially recognized for the first time. The Association quickly becomes a very complex organization as section units within chapters and chapter units within sections are formed.

1952

Lawrence K. Hall, a member of the national YMCA staff, becomes the Association's first executive secretary on a part-time basis.

1958

Leslie J. Thompkins, also a National YMCA staff member, succeeds Hall as the Association's second Executive Secretary on a part-time basis.

1967

J. Robert Knight, a member of the national YMCA's Ohio-West Virginia Region staff, is hired to become the Association's first full-time executive. The AOS office is moved from New York City to Columbus, Ohio for two reasons: 1) Identification apart form the National YMCA was desired; and 2) Knight currently lived there.

1969

Organization's name is changed to the Association of Professional Directors of YMCAs in the United States (APD). This action was taken after the Canadians withdrew their memberships to start their own association.

1972

Robert C. Goff is hired as the second full-time National Executive Director of the Association.

1981

James G. Stooke is hired as the third full-time National Executive Director.

1988

APD's national Office is relocated from Columbus, Ohio to Bloomington, Minnesota.

1993

APD's membership overwhelmingly approves a new Constitution and Bylaws for the Association, thereby eliminating the three national sections (Administration, Health and Physical Education, Program), reducing the National Board in size from 60 to 30 members, and establishing seven region councils.

2000

John B. Coduri is hired as the fourth full-time National Executive Director.

2001

APD's national office is relocated from Bloomington, Minnesota to Westerly, Rhode Island.

2002

APD's membership and National Board of Directors approves a new Constitution and Bylaws for the Association.

2004

APD's membership and National Board of Directors approves a new association name change to Association of YMCA Professionals
(AYP) and mission statement:

'To advance the YMCA profession.'