Paul J. Thein, ED.S.
CEO/ President
Professional Education:
ED.S. Pittsburg State University – Major: Education Leadership; Pittsburgh, Kansas
M.S. United States Sports Academy – Major: Sport Management; Daphne, Alabama
B.A. University of Minnesota Duluth – Major: Physical Education; Duluth, Minnesota
B.S. Minnesota State University, Mankato – Major: Liberal Studies; Mankato, Minnesota
A.A. Rochester Community & Technical College-Major: Liberal Studies; Rochester, Minnesota
Thein Pioneers the Clinic to Community Movement in the YMCAs
New Video of the YMCA Fire Rebuild
Paul J. Thein: Champion of Empowerment and Transformative Leadership
Paul J. Thein’s illustrious 30-year career is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, dedication, and commitment to fostering growth and empowerment across multiple domains. His exceptional ability to inspire, innovate, and impact countless lives has made a profound difference in the communities he has served.
Early Success in Athletics
Paul’s journey began in Rochester, Minnesota, where he excelled as a scholarship athlete and team captain of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) wrestling team. He individually qualifying for two national tournaments and lead the team to back-to-back Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Championships, being selected to represent the United States in International competition against the former Soviet Union.
Thein contributions to youth wrestling in extended to SW Florida through the Naples YMCA where he was were later recognized for his dedication to the sport in Olympic legend Dan Gable’s book, A Wrestling Life 2, in January 2017
Coaching and Mentorship
Transitioning from athlete to mentor, Paul served as Assistant Wrestling Coach at UMD and later as Head Wrestling Coach, Assistant Football Coach, and instructor at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC). At Rochester he led the wrestling team to a #1 National ranking in NJCAA wrestling and coached the football team to a state Championship and multiple bowl game victories.
Thein captained his college wrestling team his senior year to back-to-back Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Championships, while he qualified both years as an individual for the college national tournament.
Leadership in Higher Education
Paul’s foray into higher education administration began at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College, where he demonstrated a knack for policy-making and student empowerment. He later served as Dean of Students at Neosho County Community College, initiating an innovative enrollment growth strategy that included diversifying the campus through an international student program. Paul’s peers recognized his leadership by electing him as the Community College Statewide President for the Chief Student Service Officers in January 1998.
Driving Change at Feather River College
As Athletic Director and later Vice President of Student Services and Institutional Advancement at Feather River College, Paul led the expansion of academic and student service programs, including the development of a new collegiate football program and co-ed rodeo teams. Thein improved facilities, and fostered a culture of student success and community engagement. Thein is credited with securing over $10 million in federal grants, focusing on supporting low-income, first-generation, and disabled students.
As a dynamic Athletic Director his pioneering work in Title IX compliance and gender equity earned him national recognition. Paul’s unwavering commitment to creating a level playing field for all students and his expertise in Title IX has been endorsed by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), inviting him to join their National Speakers Bureau to share his insights and best practices with institutions across the country.
Dynamic Leadership at the YMCA
Thein was awarded the “Outstanding Service to Community Award” by the Naples Rotarians & he was named a “Naples Superman” by Naples Illustrated (2016).
As CEO of the Waycross Georgia YMCA and later the Naples Florida YMCA, Paul led multifaceted campaigns to revitalize and renovate the facilities. In Naples, he spearheaded a $12 million campaign that transformed the YMCA into a 24/7 accessible Healthy Living Campus, complete with a Diabetes Education and Resource Center, Epilepsy Resource Center, the Special Olympic area offices, a Culinary Teaching Kitchen, and collaborative relationship with on-campus clinical services.
This transformation garnered the prestigious Grand Aurora Award for the Best Recreational Facility in the Southeast United States in 2016. Paul’s commitment to community service earned him the Rotarian Citizen of the Year award in January 2015 and the Outstanding Service to Community Award from the Naples Rotarians. He was also named a “Naples Superman” by Naples Illustrated Magazine in 2016 and the James Naismith Award in recognition of Paul’s dedication and character (earned October 2016)..
YMCA Vice Chair Deb Campbell, Philanthropist Lavern Gaynor, and YMCA CEO Paul Thein at the YMCA Anniversary
Leader in Healthcare and Community Empowerment
Paul’s leadership in healthcare and community empowerment is exemplified through his work at Core Health Partners (CHP) and its affiliated non-profit organizations.
Paul established Core Health Partners (CHP) in 2017, building on his experience at the Naples YMCA. As a federally licensed health care clinic, CHP provides high-quality, accessible healthcare to all, with a focus on preventative health environments that empower, support, educate, transform, and uphold integrity. CHP’s comprehensive services include a Nationally Recognized Diabetes Program approved by the American Diabetes Association, unique clinical partnerships, and collaborations with non-profits to bolster patient support. Under Paul’s leadership, CHP has become a Certified Blue Zones Worksite, committed to creating a healthier environment for employees and their families.
Thein later established two non-profits, the Core Health Partners Foundation Incorporated and the Togetherhood Initiative Inc.
Paul oversees the CHP Foundation’s mission to facilitate assessment and delivery of healthcare to underserved communities. The foundation focuses on early identification of medical and psychological conditions, community assessment, and support system development, operating exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. In 2023 the Foundation provided over $215,000 in early identification of developmental delays in children and for scholarship support for the underrepresented.
Additionally, Paul co-founded and serves as President of Togetherhood Initiative Inc., a Florida Not For Profit Corporation established in April 2022. This organization aims to develop relationships with other non-profits to provide potential pathways to wellness for the medically underserved and to meet the social needs of children and adults in financial distress.
Paul continues to demonstrate his commitment to empower individuals and communities, through addressing holistic needs of those in need.
Personal Life of Paul Thein
Paul Thein Experiences the Special Olympics Athlete Screenings at Area 9 Games.
Beyond his professional accomplishments is a passion he holds to mentor his children and raise his family. Paul is a single father of two children, Shalyn (age 20) and Brody who is 16. Paul enjoys a regular wellness routine and is an avid runner, which allow him to relax and recharge.
Despite his many accomplishments, Paul remains humble and grounded, crediting his success to the support of his loved ones and the lessons learned from his experiences. His personal life is a testament to the values he holds dear: family, community, and a passion for making a positive impact.
Paul J. Thein’s career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and communities. His work stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of visionary leadership.
