20 August 2019

Two new trustees and Non-Executive Directors have been appointed at YMCA Exeter, joining the Board of Trustees led by chair, Paul Reisbach.

Sara Traynor and Llew Nicholls, both members of Exeter’s thriving business community, bring combined expertise in leadership, coaching, business and marketing. The appointments have been made to help facilitate YMCA Exeter’s growth as we sustain local relationships and provide additional opportunities to support local young people.

Sara Traynor

Sara is an Executive and Leadership coach specialising in coaching lawyers transitioning to board or senior leadership roles. She also coaches groups and teams using the globally renowned LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology. Sara was previously the Director of Knowledge & Learning at Stephens Scown LLP, a Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For. Previously, Sara had management roles within a FTSE 250 utility for 15 years.

Llew Nicholls

Llew is the co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Grow Marketing and Grow Magazine, whose core vision is to make businesses more effective in their respective workplaces. Earlier this year Llew took part in our annual sponsored sleep out, Sleep Easy, to raise funds for YMCA Exeter and has decided to join our Board of Trustees to use his passion to further develop the vision of the charity.

Gareth Sorsby, Joint CEO, at YMCA Exeter, said:

“We are delighted Sara and Llew have joined our Board of Trustees at a momentous time of expansion for the organisation.

“As a Christian charity, we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting young people in body, mind and spirit so they can experience fullness of life despite often challenging and broken backgrounds.

“As we look to the future and expand our work in the areas of supported accommodation and mental health, we are excited to draw on Sara and Llew’s expertise to have an even greater impact across the county.”

Find about more about our trustees here.