Board & Staff

Adrian Veale (Chair) is an accountant at top 50 firm DJH Mitten Clarke Ltd, based in Stoke on Trent, where he is a senior manager looking after a range of clients from small businesses to multi-million pound turnover companies. Adrian’s passion is helping the development of people’s aspirations become reality, be that in employment or in business. This passion has taken Adrian to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and the middle east, where he provided finance and business training to budding young entrepreneurs, to help them build a sustainable income for themselves and their families. Outside of work, Adrian is a keen walker and a local preacher in the Methodist Church.

Phil Pitcher (Treasurer/ Vice Chair) studied Art and Design, before working with young offenders providing Intermediate Treatment in Hertfordshire. He then spent 15 years managing BBC property in West London for TV production. Afterward, he spent 25 years running projects for major international clients including IBM, British Council, BP, UKAEA and Ericsson, building new facilities for R&D offices, test labs, and data halls in Western Europe. Throughout his career, Phil has been part of, and led teams of talented individuals He believes that the most successful projects can only be achieved by enabling people to realise their full potential.

 Becky Hurst is a community development worker with the Church of England parishes in Crewe. Before taking on this role, she worked in community fundraising and campaigning across the North West of England with an international development agency. Having been a volunteer manager and a volunteer she is passionate about working with volunteers and giving everyone the best possible opportunities. She has attended church in Crewe throughout her life, when living in the town. When not working she volunteers with the British Red Cross in various roles supporting people in crisis and attempting to be creative with anything from paint to Lego.

Angelo Apa spent over 35 years in the IT industry, including twenty five years in IBM and Lenovo. He spent time in UK, Paris, Zurich and in Johannesburg working with and leading a number of teams and divisions and retired from corporate life in September 2023.   He has started additional ventures including a coffee company in South Africa which was then given to the employees enabling them to go on and build a better life for their families  He was a Formula 1 marshal for 13 years, a motor boat skipper and sailor, a photographer and now focuses on driving a historic rally car with his wife as navigator, maintaining an ability to ski faster than his age, running and playing the guitar really badly.  Angelo has joined us as a Trustee, given his desire to help us to offer an ever increasing benefit to the community and the best possible outcomes to the service users.

Jamie Murinas is the Assistant Director of Asset Management and PMO at Royal Voluntary Service, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes Procurement, Programme Management, Estates, Sustainability, Health & Safety. With extensive knowledge in retail, operations, logistics, negotiations, and property management, he plays a pivotal role in enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency across the organisation, contributing significantly to its mission. After several years in various sectors, Jamie brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role. Despite not being a fan of running, he has completed two marathons as personal challenges, embodying his belief that everybody can grow if given the opportunity. This philosophy underpins his approach to leadership and community engagement, driving positive change within the organisation and the communities it serves.

Dr Aswin Sayiram Subramanian Janakiraman, Chief Operating Officer at Apollo Education UK, brings a strong background in emergency medicine, healthcare leadership, and strategic planning. Passionate about building accessible, person-centred systems, he offers valuable expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and improving service delivery. His approach to leadership is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a strong commitment to building resilient, healthy communities. As a Trustee at YMCA Cheshire, Dr Aswin is committed to supporting our mission through compassionate leadership, operational insight, and a focus on empowering young people and vulnerable individuals to thrive.

Kerry Birtles is a qualified Social Worker, having worked in local government for over 15 years, most recently as a Director of Family Help and Children’s Social Care. Kerry has has had the privilege to work in both the West Midlands and the North West, providing a varied experience, including working as a child protection social worker, with young people who are differently abled, young people seeking asylum, and care experienced young adults. Kerry is particularly interested in the experiences of those who may be at increased vulnerability and strategically designing and operating services to ensure they can access opportunities to thrive.

Dave Christie is an award-winning business coach, mentor, and co-founder of Cheshire Business Networking, with a background in sports coaching and SME management. As founder of Cheshire Business Coaching, he supports small and independent businesses through practical strategies, emotional intelligence, and personal development. Dave’s passion for people, leadership, and mental wellbeing aligns closely with YMCA Cheshire’s mission, and as a Trustee, he is committed to advancing inclusive, impactful programmes that promote growth, resilience, and community empowerment.

Henry Cole – Founding and running a garden design and landscaping business over the last decade has allowed me to passionately express my creativity, given me leadership, pecuniary and mentoring skills. It has shown me the importance of teamwork, made me committed to providing a safe, community environment and allowed me to develop myself and those around me. Aswell as given me the ability to provide opportunities to individuals from a range of backgrounds. Beyond my professional life I am an avid drone photographer, enthusiast of all things outdoors, and a lover of winter sports. As well as convincing myself I can still play the piano as good as I once did! .