Senior Team

Day to day operational responsibilities for the running of YMCA Fairthorne Group are delegated to the senior management team. The team is headed by the Chief Executive Officer with four supporting Directors and over 300 staff.

Phillipa Spicer, CEO
Phillipa, joined the YMCA as the first CFO in 2016, and later assumed the role of CEO upon the retirement of the inaugural CEO in October 2022. With a background as a qualified Accountant in South Africa and prior experience as a Finance Director in the UK's FMCG sector, she is dedicated to advancing YMCA FG's future by maximising its influential resource—People and to innovate, develop and extend the Charity’s influence and reach across communities in Hampshire and IOW.

Phillipa is also a youth group leader, actively involved in volunteer leadership roles within her local community and church, while balancing family commitments and playing hockey for Basingstoke Hockey Club in her spare time.

Sue McCarthy, Director of People
Sue, who joined YMCA in September 2022 as the Director of People, brings over three decades of experience in enhancing and optimising people functions across a diverse range of public and private organisations. Her extensive career includes international roles at a major pharmaceutical organization, demonstrating her expertise at a global level. Sue previously collaborated with YMCA in 2018 on a consultancy basis, and she is excited to return in a leadership capacity.

As a fully qualified HR professional, Sue is passionate about leveraging her wealth of experience to ensure that YMCA's staff receives comprehensive support in delivering outstanding services to children and young people.

Vikki Kennesion, Director of Early Years
Vikki's been with YMCA since 2017, beginning as Andover Nursery Manager and moving up to become Director of Early Years. Her hard work and dedication have made a real difference, not just in the nursery but in leading early childhood education at YMCA. Vikki's journey reflects a commitment to growth and excellence. Vikki's tenure stands as a testament to her passion for nurturing young minds and fostering an environment of learning and development within the YMCA community.

Emma Corina, Director of Housing and Development
Emma has been with YMCA Fairthorne Group since 2006. She started her career in live music but later got interested in how organisations can make a positive impact on society and affect change. She developed further knowledge by working for a range of consultancies specialising in supporting not-for-profit organisations.

Emma's role focuses on ensuring young people living in YMCA housing are supported in their journey to adulthood, sustaining high standards in all YMCA properties, driving new development opportunities, and fundraising.

Melissa Way, Director of Transformation
With over 20 years experience in the healthcare industry in the UK, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the YMCA. Throughout a distinguished career, Melissa has led teams across various services, driving transformational change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Committed to the development of both teams and services, Melissa is dedicated to creating environments where excellence thrives. At the YMCA, she will be focussed on spearheading initiatives that align with the charity's future, ensuring sustainable growth and impactful outcomes for the communities served.

Melissa holds a MSc in Health and Leadership, is a qualified personal development coach and a trained mediator. In her spare time, you can find her exploring the New Forest on her horse.