YMCA Norfolk names new chief executive
 2009: YMCA Norfolk has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer to take over from John Drake who is stepping down after completing 30 years of distinguished service in July.
The new CEO is Tim Sweeting (right), currently Development and Partnership Manager at West London YMCA, where his post covers a range of activities including supported housing, children’s and youth work. He also holds several national posts within the YMCA movement.
Tim, aged 32, already knows and loves Norwich, as he is a graduate of the University of East Anglia.
YMCA Norfolk chairman, David Ingham, said “We are delighted to have appointed Tim from a very strong field of candidates. He has spent all of his working life with the YMCA movement, starting as a housing support worker in Bishop’s Stortford, then moving to Forest YMCA in 2000 to manage a multi-disciplinary team delivering housing support. He has been in his current post since 2004.
“Tim’s commitment to the movement has also included his voluntary time, he has been a trustee of the National Council of YMCAs for the last seven years, and is Chair of the Development and Housing Committee. This involves governance responsibility for over 1000 units of supported housing across England as well as regulatory contact with the Tenant Services Authority, Homes and Communities Agency and Audit Commission.”
“We look forward to welcoming Tim and his family to Norfolk. We’re confident that he will work well with the existing team to strengthen and develop the Association of which we are so proud.”
Tim said: “I am really excited by the opportunity to lead YMCA Norfolk forward and build on the great work John has done. I am passionate about delivering the highest quality outcomes for young people and I eagerly anticipate working with the trustees, staff and key stakeholders to achieve this in a way that retains YMCA distinctiveness.
"I am looking forward to bringing my family to live in Norfolk and playing my part in the Christian community both in my work and personal life.”
 John Drake (right) is stepping down from his YMCA Norfolk post which he has held since January 1, 1979. Since then he has overseen a massive expansion in its size and scope, culminating in the opening of a new £3m Central Norwich YMCA on January 5.
The organization now employs over 100 staff and works not only to support and house homeless young men and women, but also in pastoral care in schools, prison work, a furniture warehouse, NightStop and Y-Life schemes and providing advice for asylum seekers.
John said: “Barbara and I have been privileged to see the transformation of the YMCA over the last 30 years. Although we are now inundated with policies, procedures and professionalism the YMCA’s core DNA remains unchanged. The commitment of local people to respond to the challenges of local need as their faith gives them motivation and courage to do so. Now is the opportune time for a successor to come and take the Association forward into this new century.” | 