2009: YMCA Norfolk is looking for a new chief executive officer after the decision by existing CEO John Drake to step down after completing 30 years of distinguished service.
John (pictured right) joined YMCA Norfolk on January 1, 1979, and since then 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.
"I have enjoyed incredible support from so many loyal and committed staff teams over the last 30 years, with each generation bringing innovation and building on the success of those who have gone before. I just count it a privilege to be part of their success. My successor will inherit opportunities, challenges but most valuable of all the skills and commitment of some incredible people.”
John stressed that he is not retiring, just leaving his present role and will be developing a range of projects that give scope for enjoyment, extended travel and less bureaucracy.
Amongst John’s aspirations are to re-engage with programmes in the Jordan valley as well as chairing a number of companies and charities. So life will certainly not be dull.
John and Barbara will continue to live locally in a county in which they have come to appreciate and cherish over the last 30 years.
YMCA Norfolk chairman, David Ingham, said: “John has taken the Association from a struggling organisation with significant debt to the excellent state in which it exists today. We have seen a huge expansion of the housing work and the spread of the Association’s work throughout Norfolk with centres in Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Thetford plus other developments which are still in the planning stage.
"To follow John Drake will be a challenge. However, I have met many people both within and without the movement who are of equally inspired vision and commitment and who will jump at the chance to take over leadership of one of the country’s leading YMCAs with its probably unique mixture of urban and rural mission and activity. Whoever we appoint will take over a thriving business and be supported by a group of Christian business people with a real heart for meeting the needs of those who are in trouble.”
John plans to retire from YMCA Norfolk on July 31.
The job is currently being advertised with a salary range of £50,000 - £55,000 plus benefits. To read the job advert click here:
www.ymca-norfolk.org.uk
