Our Executive Team
John Lee┃ CEO
John is passionate about the mission and ethos of YMCA Norfolk and keen to break down the barriers that vulnerable young people and families face surrounding access to housing, education and employment opportunities.
He has a wealth of experience within Norfolk’s third sector – having previously worked as the Head of Services and Quality at the Matthew Project, leading their work with young people and veterans affected by substance misuse.
John also previously served as a trustee for YMCA Norfolk between 2015 – 2018, where he took on the role of governance lead for safeguarding.
Angie Rusbridge ┃Chief Finance Officer
Angie joined YMCA Norfolk in January 2024 as Chief Finance Officer.
Angie’s passion for seeing transformed lives started in 2009 when she was involved in opening the first CAP Debt Centre in Norfolk. She served as a CAP Debt Centre Manager for five years and later became their Director of Finance, Risk & Compliance.
Angie is a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, with extensive experience of strategic financial management in the public sector. Her other passion is playing and watching Tennis.
Jason Beattie ┃Business Development Director
Jason joined YMCA Norfolk in June 2014 as Business Development Director after a 25-year career in food retail.
He is passionate that young people of all backgrounds can connect with their personal goals and that they are given opportunities to fulfil their potential. Jason’s role at YMCA Norfolk is to shape the programme offer for young people we serve and to ensure that there is sufficient income to provide opportunities and the 1 to 1 coaching for the young people that is so vital.
Jason is also an active member of the Salvation Army in Norwich, a bandsman for 28 years and member of the church business committee.
Violet Amedee ┃Housing Director
Violet’s career has been defined by a deep passion for transforming housing services. With more than 15 years of experience across local authorities, housing associations, and a care organisation that supports persons with learning disabilities and mental health needs, she has led diverse teams, always with a focus on creating housing services that truly meet residents’ needs. She believes housing is about more than buildings – it’s about people. She has worked tirelessly through partnerships to increase supported housing supply, improve tenancy sustainment, strengthen safeguarding, and ensure residents feel heard and supported. Her leadership style is collaborative and empathetic.
Whether overseeing complex contracts, building strong partnerships, implementing new housing policy, or repurposing housing buildings, Violet’s goal has always been the same: to deliver housing services that make a meaningful difference to lives.
She enjoys travelling, family time, spending time with her favourite niece, working out, and serving at church.
Suzy Forth ┃Early Years and Communities Director
Suzy joined the executive team in January 2023 as our Early Years and Communities Director having previously worked for some of the largest childcare organisations in the country.
Suzy believes that having the voice of young people central to decision making and in shaping the services we offer is of critical importance to ensure that children and young people acquire the social and emotional foundations to function with empowerment and resilience.
Suzy is also school Governor holding at her local primary and secondary schools.