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.

Josh Towers, Director of Youth Services
Josh joined YMCA Fairthorne Group in 2025 as Director of Youth Services, following two years as a Trustee. With a background in Psychology, corporate leadership experience, and over a decade as volunteer CEO of a national youth charity, he brings a strong understanding of young people’s needs.

Josh’s role focuses on delivering high-quality, sustainable youth services that support young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to thrive and reach their full potential.

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.

Danielle Rossiter, Director of Finance
Danielle joined the YMCA in 2024 and was delighted to take up the role of Director of Finance later that year. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 20 years post qualification experience, ranging from an advisor in accountancy practice to Head of Finance roles in financial services and, prior to YMCA for a large charity in the south.

Danielle is committed to drawing on her experience to ensure the charitable funds are used effectively to drive forward the charity's vision.