Acevo has appointed Vicky Browning as its next chief executive, after Sir Stephen Bubb stood down earlier this year.
The membership body for charity chief executives today announced that Browning will start in January next year.
Browning is currently director of CharityComms, a membership body for charity communications professionals, and has held the role since 2010.
Before CharityComms she worked as a publishing consultant and before that as a magazine journalist. During her time at CharityComms she has grown its membership from 30 to over 500 charities.
Browning replaces Sir Stephen Bubb, who led Acevo for more than a decade. Bubb announced his departure from the role in May but remains employed by Acevo as director of Charity Futures Programme. Acevo’s director of policy, Asheem Singh, has been acting as the the interim chief executive.
Paul Farmer, chair of Acevo, said: “Acevo’s board's appointments committee interviewed a number of excellent candidates for chief executive. They displayed a wide range of skills and abilities but Vicky Browning was our unanimous choice. I’m delighted that she has accepted our offer to her. She brings a strong combination of charity understanding and commercial acumen.”
John Grounds, chair of CharityComms, said: “Everyone connected with CharityComms and the trustees would like to thank Vicky for all she has done and we wish her well in her new challenge.”
Singh said: “We are delighted that Vicky Browning has agreed to lead Acevo for the long term. Vicky’s record of achievements and skill-set make her very well placed to help our members navigate the turbulent waters of our times. It has been a privilege to have been Interim chief executive of such a fantastic organisation and I know everyone in the Acevo movement will look forward to working with Vicky.”
In an email to CharityComms members, Browing said: "I've had a wonderful six years at CharityComms. I’ve really enjoyed working with my great team of staff and trustees, and our members, to build our network into the lively, engaged community it is today. I’m leaving an organisation which has a growing, active membership and delivers an impressive range of valued services."
Reaction
NCVO's chief executive, Sir Stuart Etherington, said he was looking forward to a "close and collaborative" relationship with Browning.
He said: "I am delighted that Acevo have appointed Vicky as their new chief executive.
"Charity chief executives have specific support needs which Vicky is very well positioned to help Acevo meet. CharityComms flourished under her leadership, and I know that Acevo members stand to benefit greatly from her expertise in delivering excellent professional training and development.
"We have been working closely with Vicky on sector reputation issues in her role at CharityComms and I am very much looking forward to a continuing close and collaborative relationship with her and her team at Acevo."
Mark Atkinson, chief executive of Scope said: "Vicky has done a brilliant job in her role at CharityComms and I'm sure she will do the same and more at Acevo. She has been a leading figure in bringing organisations and people together to improve the sector's reputation and the way we respond to challenge and criticism.
“Across the sector, there has been too much navel-gazing in recent years over the role of sector bodies. I hope Vicky's appointment will allow Acevo to move forward with its important work. Vicky's appointment is an opportunity to call time on those debates and focus on what really matters - the future role and relevance of our sector and the impact of our work".
In an open letter Dan Corry, chief executive of charity sector think tank NPC, urged Acevo to rejoin the Inspiring Impact coalition of organisations.
He said: "In the past, we have enjoyed working with Acevo on this agenda, including jointly producing tools and campaigning for impact to be a key focus for sector leaders. We hope that you will want to join us in continuing this endeavour. One easy step would be to bring Acevo back inside the broad coalition that has been running the Inspiring Impact programme."
Over on Twitter
Several sector leaders took to Twitter to congratulate Browing on her new role. Here are some of the highlights:
.@browning_vicky will be joining @ACEVO at the end of January – we'd like to thank her for everything she's given our wonderful network pic.twitter.com/GhWLzZy8oQ
— CharityComms (@CharityComms) November 14, 2016
The news in the last week about jobs has been mixed. Trump, POTUS not good. @browning_vicky to @acevo's answer to POTUS absolutely magic
— Joe Saxton (@SaxtonJoe) November 14, 2016
Brilliant appointment. I've really enjoyed working with @browning_vicky the last few years and we've done great stuff together. Made up. https://t.co/YN8jaoMnPr
— Karl Wilding (@karlwilding) November 14, 2016
Busy day, not much time for Twitter, but this is excellent news, congratulations @browning_vicky https://t.co/muyVNg5tWj
— Vicki Prout (@vickipper) November 14, 2016
Congratulation @browning_vicky on your appointment @ACEVO looking forward to you meeting all of your members in the North @jennyberryacevo
— Paul Martin OBE (@PaulMartin101) November 14, 2016
@browning_vicky SAY IT AIN'T SOOOOOO
— Matt Collins (@charitychap) November 14, 2016
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