YMCA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Deputy CEO
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
With extensive experience in the charitable sector Anne joined YMCA MK in 2018 to support the capital appeal for the new campus and loves hearing the inspirational stories of our young people.
Fun fact - Anne loves vintage shopping!
Benedicta began her career in fundraising and alumni relations in 1998. She worked in the USA for 10 years before coming back to the UK to work for UCL and then Cranfield University.
Fun fact - Benedicta loves cats and would like to add to the 3 she already has at home.
Tony is by profession a physicist and has an extensive background in youth work with 32 years as leader in the Scout Association including serving as District Commissioner in South Northamptonshire.
Job Titles:
- Retired Consultant Physician
Vasco is a retired Consultant Physician and has experience in public health, substance misuse and general practice.
Fun fact - Vasco enjoys playing table tennis and Bridge.
Jennifer Walker has a background in managing development projects in Southern and Eastern Africa. She has over 20 years of experience in securing funds, developing relationships with stakeholders, philanthropic investment funds, grant making and managing the marketing of organisations.
Jenny is a qualified social worker with significant child protection experience and a passion for trauma informed work. She is actively involved in social work education and development as well as working in the family courts specialising in drugs, alcohol, mental health and trauma.
Julia Upton is passionate about the voluntary and community sector and their role in creating vibrant and successful communities. Professionally she worked in education and then led a philanthropic and grant-making charity. Julia is a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Director of Youth and Community
Kat has worked in the youth and community sector for the last 13 years. Kat is experienced in delivering co-production projects and prioritises youth voice in all aspects of her work.
Fun fact - Kat loves Diet Coke and KitKats!
Laura Keen has previously worked as an auditor with Grant Thornton, Finance Director of a group of Audi Dealerships and Finance Director and Deputy CEO of the MK Community Foundation.
Fun fact - Laura loves growing her own fruit and veg in her garden.
Philip is a Chartered Surveyor specialising in the management of commercial property.
Preston was a partner in Grant Thornton and has extensive finance experience. He negotiated the purchase of our original flats and retail units. This valuable asset enabled the recent development of our amazing new campus, which was opened in March 2020.
Fun fact - Preston loves motor sport and in 2000 did the London to Sydney Marathon in a Ford Escort Mk1!
Robert Higginbottom Robert has held senior management positions within the YMCA Federation, and other Federated Supported Housing Charities specialising in Supported Housing Management, Facilities Management and Charity Governance. Fun fact - Robert has a keen interest in UK Heritage and Conservation.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
With a background in social housing Simon has been with the organisation since 2009 and enjoys seeing people feel proud working for or living at YMCA MK.
Fun fact - Simon is obsessed with football!
Job Titles:
- HR Director
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
Suzanne has worked in HR for over 20 years and supports the whole team at YMCA MK, providing the right support & opportunities for each employee to thrive in their roles and to ensure everyone feels valued.
Fun fact - Suzanne is one of up to 20% of people who think that fresh coriander tastes like soap!