YMCAs from across England recently gathered for Y-Fest 2008, the YMCA’s National Day of Celebration & Thanksgiving.

At this meeting of YMCAs, Anne Linsey and Matt Bird were both chosen as new members of the YMCA’s Board of Trustees.

Anne has worked for YMCA Training since 1983 and, throughout her career, has been involved in the design and delivery of high-quality training programmes for individuals, companies and communities. She has successfully served as the Chief Executive of YMCA Training since 1994.

Her early career was with the Distributive Industry Training Board, advising companies - from small employers with 10 employees, through to large multi-national companies - on the benefits and implementation of systematic training. She also worked with a large retail company gaining management and training experience.

Anne served on the Northamptonshire Learning and Skills Council for six years as a member, and is currently a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Institute of Directors. She has also been a board member of ERSA (the Employment Related Services Association) since its inception.

Matt Bird is the Director of Make it Happen UK, which delivers brand, marketing, events and public relations for charity, business and government. He is well known for his high energy, innovative approach and results orientation.

He has been involved with the YMCA Movement since leaving school when he lived at Farnborough YMCA, and he is now a patron of Kingston & Wimbledon YMCA. Throughout his career he has been a champion for young people, serving as Executive Director of Joshua Generation and Associate Director of Soul in the City.

Matt is part of the Leadership Team of Hillside Church Wimbledon where he regularly preaches, has been a Councillor for the London Borough of Merton and is Chairman of the community forum Working Together for Wimbledon.

With the additions of Anne and Matt, the National Council of YMCA’s Board of Trustees is made up of 17 members.

“We are thrilled Anne and Matt have joined our team,” said Ian Green, YMCA National Secretary. “Anne brings a wealth of training experience and institutional knowledge to the board, while Matt offers highly focused entrepreneurial insight and skills alongside unique communications experience.”