Chris Cupples

CEO @Belfast Ymca

Belfast, GB

As CEO of Belfast YMCA since May 2022, I’ve had the privilege of leading an incredible team through a period of significant growth—launching new programmes, expanding our impact, and doubling our staff team and income. I’m passionate about building high-performing teams, creating the right culture for success, and investing in people—professionally, personally, and spiritually.Beyond Belfast YMCA, I serve as Chair of 3:18 Zambia, a Christian development NGO empowering individuals and communities through skills training, education, and start-up capital. I’m also part of Unify, a Christian Mission network strengthening the work of YMCAs in their Christian mission, and I sit on the steering committee for the YMCA Chief Executive Network, supporting leaders across the UK and Ireland.With experience in growing operations, fundraising, public speaking, and media, I thrive on finding new ways to grow impact and inspire change. In 2024, I was honoured to be named Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the CO3 Leadership Awards and have twice been a runner-up for the ‘Leading People’ Award.Always looking for new challenges, new opportunities, and new ways to make a difference!

Ulster University

Bachelor of Science (BSc) with DAS, Business Studies with Computing