Foundation Chairman’s Succession
Community Foundation in Wales appoints new Chairman.
The Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Alun Evans as our new Chairman. Alun has been a Trustee with the Foundation since January 2013 and has worked alongside outgoing Chairman Janet Lewis-Jones, who retired in July 2016.
We are deeply grateful for Janet’s leadership over the last six years. Throughout her term of office, the Foundation has grown and matured, increasing our annual grant-making to an all-time high of £2.9 million for the year ended March 2016, and building a community of donors giving to Welsh charities and community projects.
Although saddened by Janet’s departure, we are very pleased to welcome Alun Evans to his new role. At a farewell board meeting, Alun recognised the impact that Janet has had on the success of the Community Foundation in Wales, and wished to add his thanks;
“On behalf of the trustees and all the staff, I should like to thank Janet for all of her hard work, diplomacy and just being a very good Chair over the past four years. She will be sorely missed. From my own point of view, I’d like to thank her for handing over such a successful and stable ship, with strong governance and protocols. Conversely, I have been left with a very hard act to follow.
“We have all learned so much working alongside Janet and in particular the qualities of chairmanship which have helped the organisation to thrive. She has been an inspiration, whether by gathering and respecting input and feedback; managing meetings with clarity, generosity of spirit and timeliness; appreciating and acknowledging the work of all of us; in a quiet and highly effective leadership manner. Thank you.”
Alun has already contributed greatly to the Foundation in his role as Trustee, and will continue to guide us with the skilful leadership and expert knowledge which he has acquired through years of experience in the business sector. After graduating from University College Cardiff, Alun began life in the city working for Capel-Cure Myers, Carr Sheppards Crosthwaite, and currently Quilter Cheviot Investment Management, where he is Business Development Director. Alun is also a fellow of the Chartered Securities Institute. Alun has a family home in Aberaeron and says he feels most at home when in Wales. He first became a trustee with the Foundation in January 2013, and is also trustee of UK Community Foundation’s, Walthamstow Hall School and St David’s Academy.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive, Liza Kellett, also added her thanks, saying;
‘It has been a huge privilege to work with Janet, whose quiet and ambitious leadership has steered us through a considerable period of growth. She has brought out the best in all of us, and the best in our charity, and her warm, collaborative style has led a culture of reflection, openness and of striving to do more for our communities and our donors. We’re all thrilled that Alun Evans has been elected to assume the role of Chairman, particularly as he has been such an active volunteer, Trustee and advocate, for Philanthropy, and for the work of the Community Foundation in Wales. As we lead up to our next three-year strategic plan, Alun’s leadership and stewardship will be instrumental in helping us to achieve our ambition to be the place for philanthropy in Wales.’