Tri-Service
Meet Help for Heroes' New CEO
Military charity Help for Heroes has announced the appointment of its new CEO.
Melanie Waters, currently chief executive of employment charity The Poppy Factory, follows co-founder Bryn Parry, who announced in April that he'd be stepping down from the position. Melanie, who, will join Help for Heroes in November, said:
"Help for Heroes has brought a new energy to the Armed Forces charity sector, drawing significant attention to the current and future needs of service people who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses."
"The organisation is known by both its beneficiaries and supporters for its uniquely positive culture and the open, easy-to-access support that it offers.
"I am delighted to have been appointed by the trustees to lead the organisation and I plan to build upon the incredible work of the co-founders and the wider dedicated Help for Heroes team as the charity enters its 10th year."
Bryn Parry, meanwhile, said:
"I have worked alongside Melanie in Cobseo and The Poppy Factory for several years. She brings extensive knowledge and skills... [and] is passionate about helping 'the blokes' - the wounded, injured and sick servicemen, women and their families, and is fully cognisant of the responsibility to them that this role brings... We wish Mel all the best and will look forward to working with her."
Melanie has previously held roles in the commercial and charitable sectors, leading external affairs, business improvement and operations departments for companies such as the Automobile Association.
In non-executive roles, Melanie is a Director and Commissioner of the £35m Big Lottery grant-giving body, the Forces in Mind Trust; is a member of NHS England’s Armed Forces Clinical Reference Group; and elected vice-chair of Cobseo (The Confederation of Service Charities).
Alex Scott-Barrett, chairman of Help for Heroes, said:
"Melanie brings with her energy and a proven track-record of results. Experienced in both the commercial and charitable sectors, she is a natural leader with expertise in both strategic and operational areas."
"This will be crucial as the Help for Heroes team drive the next stage of the charity’s development."
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