Paul Thein - Core Health Partners, CHP

Paul Thein

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.ARochester Community & Technical College-Major: Liberal Studies; Rochester, Minnesota

Administrative Leadership Results

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.

YMCA_beforenew-building

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.

PAUL THEIN & ASSOCIATED LEADERSHIP PROJECTS IN THE NEWS

October 18, 2021

Core Health Partners launches medical services at Grace Place

Core Health Partners and Grace Place Center for Children and Families have partnered to provide greater access to preventive healthcare screenings, diabetes and nutritional education, as well as medical interventions through speech, physical and occupational therapy. […]
October 16, 2021

Core Health Partners launches medical services at Grace Place Center for Children and Families

Core Health Partners and Grace Place Center for Children and Families have partnered to provide greater access to preventive healthcare screenings […]
September 24, 2021

Core Health Partners launches medical services at Grace Place Center for Children and Families

(Naples, FL – September 21, 2021) – Core Health Partners and Grace Place Center for Children and Families have partnered to provide greater access to preventive […]
September 24, 2020

Marco Y adds clinical programs to its services

Marco’s YMCA of South Collier is bolstering its “healthy living” mantra by introducing clinical fitness programs and screenings. The Y has collaborated with Core Health Partners, […]
September 18, 2020

Marco YMCA Expands Clinical Services

Two local organizations that promote healthy living through wellness programs have further cemented their relationship by offering an expanded assortment of clinical services. They are the […]
May 12, 2020

A childhood of YMCA experiences firmed up CEO’s roots

PROFILES IN PARADISE By Staff | on May 16, 2013 bobHARDEN e-mail: bob@bobharden.com As the new president and CEO of the Greater Naples YMCA, Paul Thein […]
December 18, 2019

Seeing a need: YMCA hosts new diabetes education center, inaugural conference

      Seeing a need: YMCA hosts new diabetes education center, inaugural conference One thing about Naples: when a problem is identified, concerned citizens will […]
November 30, 2019

Marco Y Celebrates Blue Zones Designation

Marco Y Celebrates Blue Zones Designation November 30, 2019 – Certification Underlines the Y’s ‘Healthy Living’ Mission, By Quentin Roux Anybody familiar with the Marco YMCA of […]
January 19, 2018

Former YMCA Exec, lands job with a purpose

Former YMCA Exec, lands job with a purpose After months of meetings over coffee and reflection over his next move, Paul Thein has found a new […]
May 4, 2017

HEALTHY LIVING Greater Naples YMCA ‘chips’ in to help Neapolitans lean to make healthy choices

March 23, 2017

Naples YMCA President Joins Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors

Naples YMCA President Joins Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors Special Olympics Florida today announced that Paul Thein, President and CEO of the Greater Naples YMCA, […]
January 18, 2017

‘Beyond the plate’: YMCA kicks off healthy cooking and dining series

‘Beyond the plate’: YMCA kicks off healthy cooking and dining series Sometimes, a love for fine food can get in the way of a healthy lifestyle. […]
September 9, 2016

Paul Thein, 2016 Super Man

Paul Thein, 2016 Super Man When Paul Thein decided to reposition his career out of higher learning, he thought the YMCA would benefit from his education […]
March 29, 2016

Ceremony showcases new additions to Greater Naples YMCA

Ceremony showcases new additions to Greater Naples YMCA The Greater Naples YMCA celebrated another milestone Tuesday with several long-awaited projects aimed at making local children happier […]
January 1, 2016

YMCA Rebuilt in a Flash

YMCA Rebuilt in a Flash Greater Naples YMCA in Naples, Florida The lives of Paul Thein and Jay Howard didn’t figuratively change in a flash. They […]
December 1, 2015

A Partnership for Youth Development

NFL and Greater Naples YMCA