Our Executive Leadership Team

Guy Foxell
Chief Executive

What is your background?

I’ve worked for YMCA since Valentine’s Day 2011 and previously worked at The Salmon Youth Centre.

What are your main day to day responsibilities?

Acting as the link between the Strategic Vision of the Trustee Board and the brilliant operational successes delivered by our Senior Leadership Team

What is your ambition?

To do more and better together, so that we continue to have the biggest impact on the communities we serve

What are your personal interests?

Fun with the FoxCubs, the great outdoors (especially on a bicycle), community and church

Michael Howe
Deputy Chief Executive & Company Secretary

What is your background?

I’ve worked for YMCA since January 2020. Prior to this I was the CEO of a small local Charity which merged with One YMCA.

What are your main day to day responsibilities?

Overseeing all day to day operations of the Charity which includes both central support and frontline services.

What is your ambition?

My ambition is play an active role in how YMCA will continue to develop. To unlock the success of making a lasting impact on our beneficiaries needs a central support service and operational team which meets the needs of our colleagues and volunteers – something which I am highly committed to achieving.

What are your personal interests?

In my spare time, as well as a keen listener of music, I play a number of different instruments including piano and saxophone.

Julie Flinn
Director of Housing & Property

What is your background?

I have worked in social housing for over 25 years, with experience working across a broad range of services to improve quality, consistency and outcomes for residents. My work has involved leading teams, developing services, strengthening partnerships, improving performance and supporting organisational change.

What are your main day to day responsibilities?

My main day-to-day responsibilities include providing leadership and oversight across services, monitoring performance and ensuring services are safe, effective and person-centred. I also spend time working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to resolve issues, plan improvements and make sure we are delivering against our priorities.

What is your ambition?

My ambition is to help create housing and property services that are high quality, financially sustainable and genuinely life-changing for the people who use them. I want to continue developing as a leader and contribute to positive change across the organisation.

What are your personal interests?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, keeping active and making time for things that help me switch off and recharge. I also value opportunities to learn, travel and experience new places whenever I can.

Lydia Gathogo
Finance Director

What is your background?

My background spans over 27 years of senior financial management experience across a range of sectors and organisations. This is underpinned by a strong business and commercial background, with a proven track record of providing strategic leadership, financial governance, and driving organisational performance particularly in the Housing and Charity sectors.

What are your main day to day responsibilities?

My main day-to-day responsibilities include:

Providing strategic financial leadership, working closely with senior leadership teams on strategic and operational matters that help support long-term financial viability of the organisation.
Leading and managing the finance team ensuring insightful and timely financial analysis and reporting to support informed decision-making.
Ensuring compliance with financial regulations, statutory requirements, and regulatory obligations including auditor, lender and other stakeholders’ financial requirements and expectations.
Oversee the development of the long-term financial plan, ensuring robust budgeting and financial control frameworks are in place and aligned with the organisation’s strategic and financial objectives.
What is your ambition?

My ambition is to be purposeful in creating positive impact by working alongside like-minded individuals who share a commitment to improving lives. I aim to help ensure that our resources are used to their fullest potential, enabling us to reach and support as many beneficiaries as possible.

What are your personal interests?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and value a good laugh. Other interests include playing piano, travelling, and art.