Catherine Kevis Chief Executive Officer Expand Catherine Kevis – Chief Executive Officer Catherine has 25 years’ experience of working with housing associations, developing and managing services for vulnerable and hard to reach groups. She has held management roles since 1998, leading multi-disciplinary teams and consistently delivering key business priorities for a national housing group. From 2009 to 2014, she was Director for a medium size, award winning housing association, leading on all aspects of their Support and Care activities and leading on the merger of two organisations. Before joining YSS Catherine was at Gloucestershire Community Foundation working with local organisations and individuals to develop their capacity to meet the needs of local communities.
Deborah Grantham Director of Improvement and Innovation Expand Debb relocated to Telford in 2000 after 22 years of accompanying her husband around the world on military duties. Previously she worked for the Ministry of Defence as an admin officer, but went on to specialise in Adult Learning, running an NVQ centre in Germany providing training and work placements for the families of soldiers. On her return to the UK, Debb worked for a private children’s home which specialised in working with young men at risk of, or having, perpetrated sexual offences. In 2003, Debb joined YSS in the newly-funded split role of Volunteer Co-ordinator and ICCP Officer across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. Debb has achieved IAG level 3; NVQ Level 4 Management; She went on to become Senior Volunteer Coordinator, Operations Manager, Operations Director and is currently YSS Director of Improvement and Innovation.
David Andrewartha Director of Operations Expand Dave joined YSS in February 2007, Previously he played for Aston Villa FC for 9 years. Following his release at 19, Dave went to Loughborough university to study sport and exercise science. He then secured a coaching role with the Telford and Wrekin Council, before applying to become a Community Support Officer for the West Mercia Police covering the Bridgnorth area. During his time as a CSO, Dave spent time developing diversionary opportunities for the young people, this was an aspect of the role Dave had a real passion for. Dave initially joined YSS as an ISSP officer, ISSP is an intense court proposal sentenced to Young People at risk of going to custody. Since joining YSS Dave has progressed within the organisation and is now the Director of Operations responsible for the provision of YSS services.
Anna Wykurz Director of Finance and Resources Expand Anna joined YSS in August 2020, bringing leadership and financial management experience as well as fresh ideas and a diverse outlook. An associate of London Institute of Banking and Finance, Anna worked for one of the world’s leading banks gaining a rich commercial acumen, governance and internal control experience in a customer-centric organisation. Before joining the charity, Anna has trained as a management accountant within social housing sector and has successfully run teams through periods of substantial change and business transformation. Anna volunteers as a co-opted Board Member for Gloucestershire Rural Housing Association, advising the Board on finance and treasury. She is a passionate advocate for social inclusion and has volunteered to support minority communities integrate within mainstream society in Gloucestershire.