Richard James
BEng Hons, MA, FRSA
Chief Executive Officer
After graduating as a Structural Engineer Richard worked in the commercial sector for an international ship supply company. After this, he left to set up a number of youth-focused charities in South Wales before moving to South West London. He was drawn to the YMCA as it brought together the cause driven charitable focus with the need to be commercially astute: “I love the diversity of work, the focus on young people and community as well as the opportunity to build on the story of many great people who have gone before me, helping building an even stronger YMCA for the future.”
Since joining the YMCA over ten years ago, Richard has helped drive the merger work between YMCA East London, YMCA West London, YMCA Slough and YMCA London South West which ended up in the creation of YMCA St Paul’s Group. He also serves as a trustee of the Surbiton Education Health Trust.
“I love the fact we are part of a national and international family that spreads to over 100 people and that all over the world people are committed to make a difference in the community they work in. I would love us to be known to be a bold, pioneering organisation that is delivering work in new and exciting ways and to new young people and communities.”
Fred Angole
MSc, BA, FCCA
Group Finance Director & Deputy Chief Executive
Fred is a qualified accountant with many years’ experience in retail, the civil service and has been a Finance Director of a number of housing associations. Throughout his career, he has had responsibility for finance, IT, business improvement and risk management. In addition to his role at the YMCA, he is also currently a board member for two housing associations (Notting Hill Genesis and Newlon).
Fred joined the YMCA as he was inspired by the work the Charity does in transforming young lives and the commitment of staff; especially as he was previously unaware of the mind, body and spirit dimension of YMCA’s work. He is also inspired by the work of the international YMCA family and the variety of ways in which needy communities are supported.
Looking forward, Fred is driven to implement our Strategic Plan and looks forward to being loving, hopeful, community-focused, people-centric and holistic in delivering the plan.
David Boden
Director of Property & Places
With over 25 years’ senior level experience within property service operations, customer service and the social housing sector, David Boden is the YMCA’s Director of Property and Places.
Prior to joining the YMCA, David worked for some of the most respected service delivery companies (The AA and Homeserve) along with Orbit one of the largest social housing providers. He is passionate about great customer service, providing excellent support to colleagues in other teams as well as services and homes that YMCA residents and service users can be proud of.
David is focused on supporting and empowering the Property and Places team across the YMCA whilst also helping deliver the YMCA’s commitment to 200 new homes by 2024.
Jessica Laryea
Director of Group Operation
Jessica is a qualified playworker so began her career working with children and has been working with the YMCA for over 20 years. Since joining the YMCA Jessica has risen through the ranks and has been part of the executive team for over 10 years. One of her most notable achievements was overseeing the mYpad building project in Walthamstow. Under her management, 20 shipping containers were successfully converted into high-specification single-occupancy units containing a bed, storage space, a wet-pod containing a shower and sink and limited cooking facilities. Outside of work, she is Chair of Governors at Woodside Primary Academy.
“The values of YMCA SPG align with my personal values. I have been working for the YMCA for over 20 years now and the passion that I see from staff for wanting to make a difference is what has kept me with the organisation for all this time.”
