The chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent-based charity VAST has announced she is leaving her role later this year.
Lisa Healing will be retiring on 30 September after 12 years with the organisation and seven years in the leadership role.
She joined at what has been described as a ‘difficult’ time of transition and funding constraints for the organisation and then went on to be faced with challenges of the Covid pandemic.
But under Lisa’s leadership, VAST has strengthened its role as a champion for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, expanded its support services, developed a new inclusive volunteering offer and continued to develop the Dudson Centre as a vital community hub.
Lisa said: “My time at VAST has been deeply rewarding and has inspired me to do things I never thought I was capable of, and I have had the privilege of working alongside and on behalf of some amazing people.
“This has been a deeply considered decision and one that comes at the right moment, both personally and for the organisation. VAST is strong, stable, respected, and influential, and I believe this is the right time for me to support a smooth leadership transition and hand over to someone who can lead through the next stage of VAST’s story.
“I am incredibly grateful to have worked alongside such a passionate and dedicated group of people. Together, we have strengthened the VCSE sector, developed new models of cross-sector working, and supported communities across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. What we achieve together really is an extraordinary feat! I am certainly proud to have been able to play my part.”
Recruitment for a new chief executive will begin later this month and Lisa will continue to lead, and support the handover to her successor, until the end of September.
VAST Chair Tim Edwards said: “On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to put on record our thanks for Lisa’s leadership and the significant impact made on behalf of the sector and our local communities.”
