Larne YMCA

Dean Nutt (CEO- Chief Executive Officer): 

Dean is responsible for the overall direction of the organisation. He develops and implements strategies and policies to ensure that the organisation will meet the goals determined by the board of directors. Dean monitors the organisation’s performance indicators and any budgetary and financial activities. Dean appoints the Managers and department heads. Dean identifies cost-cutting measures to improve the operations and performance to meet the organisation’s goals. Dean is the most senior figure within the organisation and is the link between the board of directors and the day to day operations of the organisation. 

Dean has over 20 years of experience in a youth work setting and his a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community Work, ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management alongside various other qualifications gathered over 20 years in the youth work sector. 

Dean is also a member of the DCPO team for Larne YMCA, sits on the National Council of YMCAS Ireland, is chairperson for the standing committee for Newcastle/Greenhill YMCA and has recently joined the board for NICVA further enhancing Larne YMCA standing as a voluntary and community organisation.

Veronica Kane (Business and Finance Manager): 

Veronica is responsible for managing the finances and payroll of the YMCA. She produces regular financial updates for board members and project managers. 

Veronica has over 22 years of experience in Business support and Finance, she has an OCN Level 2 in Youth Work Practice alongside various other qualifications gathered over her 22+ years to support her in her role as Business and Finance Manager.

Veronica has also supported a number of face to face programmes and projects including Afterschools and Good Relations and works within the Building Solutions Team providing 1:1 sessions for 10-18 year olds.

Leanne Doherty (Children's Services  Manager): 

Leanne is responsible for the management and running of the Afterschools Programme and Parent/Family Support.

Leanne has over 20 years of experience in Afterschool and Youth Settings. She has a Diploma in Nursery Nursing, a Level 3 in Transitions to Playwork, a Foundation Degree in Playwork and Management and an OCN Level 3 in Youth Work Practice.

Leanne is also a member of the DCPO team, a mentor for the Incredible Years Programme and supports the facilitation of Job Start workers within the Organisation.

Becca Buchanan (Youth Work  Manager): 

Becca is responsible for the management and running of the Youth Club and Autism Support Programme (ASP).

Becca has 15 years of experience in Youth Work and Childcare Settings and has a BA(Hons) Youth and Community Work Degree, a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, a Level 2 Introductory Awareness of the Autistic Spectrum Conditions and a Certificate in Child Mental Health Training.

Becca is also responsible for the social media and communications work, short term Youth Work Projects, is a member of the PeacePlus Partnership Board and works within the Building Solutions Team providing 1:1 sessions for 10-18 year olds.

Dr Sylvia Gourley (Volunteer): 

Sylvia joins the Larne YMCA Team as a Volunteer to support the continued development of the Organisations Policies and Procedures.

Previously Sylvia has Volunteered within Larne YMCA as Chairperson and Member of the Board of Directors. She has also has volunteered in the community sector over a long period of time and has had a long career in further and higher education, culminating in the role of Assistant Director at one of the colleges of further education. She currently supports a number of schools by providing advice to governors and principles  on behalf of the Education Authority. 

Bob Load (Volunteer) - Coming Soon!