Ken Walsh, CEO Named Grand Marshall for 2025 Parade of Lights
- November 26, 2025
- Latest News · News
AYCC Congratulates CEO Ken Walsh, Named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Parade of Lights
The Alfond Youth & Community Center is proud to share the exciting news that our CEO, Ken Walsh, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Parade of Lights, hosted by the Children’s Discovery Museum and sponsored by Central Maine Motors Auto Group.
This honor could not be more fitting. For more than three decades, Ken has poured his passion, vision, and energy into supporting youth, families, and communities here in Central Maine and far beyond. His leadership has shaped the AYCC into what it is today – a vibrant, inclusive, nationally recognized home for learning, recreation, and growth.
Whether building world-class facilities, mentoring young people, or expanding global youth development partnerships, Ken’s commitment to service is felt daily within our walls. We are grateful to see his impact recognized in such a meaningful community celebration.
From all of us at the AYCC: Congratulations, Ken! We are incredibly proud of you, thankful for your years of service with the AYCC, and are excited to follow your journey with the President & CEO of World Youth Clubs.
Press Release from the Children’s Discovery Museum
Grand Marshal Announcement | Children’s Discovery Museum | Parade of Lights
November 26, 2025
Each year, the Children’s Discovery Museum is honored to recognize a member of our community as the Parade of Lights Grand Marshal, sponsored by Central Maine Motors Auto Group. The Parade of Lights will take place on Saturday, November 29 at 6:00 pm down Main Street in Waterville. This season, we are proud to celebrate someone whose lifelong dedication to youth, families, and community enrichment.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Ken Walsh, whose three decades of leadership have shaped the landscape of youth development across Maine.
Ken began his journey in Maine in 1992 as the Executive Director of the Waterville Boys & Girls Club, later leading the newly merged Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) – the only combined Boys & Girls Club and YMCA in the nation. During his tenure as CEO, he helped raise over $100 million and transformed the AYCC into a nationally recognized model for community impact.
Ken’s visionary work led to the development of iconic recreation spaces, including replica Fenway and Wrigley Fields, and expanded Camp Tracy, while also establishing youth programs across Maine and around the world. From building international partnerships in China, Mexico, and Europe, to supporting World Club sites in Africa, Ken’s work has opened doors for countless young people.
In January 2026, he will begin a new chapter as President & CEO of World Youth Clubs, overseeing affiliates in 50 countries and serving more than half a million youth worldwide.
Ken’s legacy is rooted not just in buildings and programs, but in people. A 7th-degree black belt, founder of the AYCC’s Martial Arts Program, longtime baseball coach and member of both the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and Maine Sports Legends, Ken has inspired generations of young athletes. He and his wife Suzanne are proud parents of two children, Sean and Kate.
We are deeply grateful to honor Ken Walsh as this year’s Grand Marshal. His compassion, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of community embody the very spirit of the season. Thank you to Central Maine Motors Auto Group for helping us celebrate a leader whose dedication has touched thousands of lives here in Central Maine and across the globe.
Media Coverage
Press Release from Children’s Discovery Museum