Leader plans to build on philanthropy
Apr 15 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
AN executive with a passion for social justice is to head the region’s biggest organisation to link business and charity.
The Community Foundation has appointed Rob Williamson chief executive after he spent six years as director of policy and communications and assistant foundation director at the region’s largest charitable donor, Northern Rock Foundation.
Mr Williamson said “I feel extremely privileged to be appointed as the Community Foundation’s next chief executive.
“There has never been a more important time to encourage, support and plan charitable giving. The Community Foundation engages private donors, public bodies and voluntary organisations in a joint endeavour focused on strengthening our communities and reaching people facing particular disadvantage. Alongside its excellent board and staff team, and with the continuing support of its current donors, I am looking forward to the challenge of building on its fantastic track record and leading the development of philanthropy in our region.”
Community Foundation chair Hugh Welch said: “His passion for social justice is huge and fits in with our plans for the Community Foundation now and in the future.
“He is uniquely well placed, with his experience and background in the region, to take the Community Foundation forward” Mr Williamson worked for Newcastle Council for Voluntary Services before moving to Newcastle City Council as a policy and strategy officer in social policy and corporate initiatives.
He joined Northern Rock Foundation in 2003 and led an 18-month review of its work, consulting 1,000 stakeholders, and ran a £500,000 study on the Third Sector in the North East and Cumbria.
The Community Foundation, serving Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, is the largest community foundation in the country. It gave £7.8m to 1,700 groups in 2008.
Rob takes over from George Hepburn, in the role since the foundation began in 1988. He becomes director of Shepherds Dene Retreat House this summer.
