Ian Green has been chosen to head up YMCA England. Green has held the position in an interim capacity since July 2008 and previously was the Chief Executive of Kingston and Wimbledon YMCA.

Green, 43, started his work with the YMCA movement in 1987 as a Housing Manager at the YMCA in Ealing. He still lives in Ealing, where he sits on the Council and previously served as Mayor. Green also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Ealing Hospital NHS Trust, along with being a Justice of the Peace.

“I am honoured to lead such a dynamic group of YMCAs that every day pour their hearts and souls into supporting young people who too often have nowhere else to turn,” said Green. “I’ve dedicated the last 20 years of my life to the YMCA Movement because I believe in the work we do, I believe in the people doing that work, and, most importantly, I believe in the promise of young people.”

While Interim National Secretary, Green put his skills to work travelling the country meeting with YMCAs in order to devise a strategic plan that would move YMCA England into a new phase of development and service to its members. Moving forward and implementing that plan will be one of his first tasks.

“I recently had the chance to meet with Ian to discuss issues that are affecting young people, particularly residents at West London YMCA,” said Cara Bowler, a 20-year-old resident at West London YMCA. “I really feel like he cares about what we are going through, and I really hope he does everything in his power to make a difference.”