The Society of Genealogists has appointed Wanda Wyporska as its new chief executive.
Wyporska joins the Society after leading The Equality Trust for five years, and she will take up the role on 1 October 2021.
At The Equality Trust, Wyporska doubled staff and focused on diversifying income and digital innovation.
She is also a trustee of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) and Redthread. She is also a visiting research fellow at the University of York.
Wyporska said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Society of Genealogists, especially at such an exciting time. Having spent the happiest years of my life in libraries and archives, it is a real privilege to be taking up this role.
“Studying our family history is a wonderful way of finding out more about ourselves and where we come from and the Society of Genealogists helps people to discover their own place in history. I’m looking forward to meeting staff and members and especially the fantastic volunteers who play such an important role.”
The Society of Genealogists preserve the records of everyday lives and makes them available. It also provides a programme of education and training enabling people to research their roots.
Data on the Charity Commission website for the financial year ending 31 December 2019, puts the charity's total income at £684,354.
Ed Percival, chair of the Society of Genealogists, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Wanda into this role at such an exciting time for the Society of Genealogists. We are in the midst of an ambitious transformation, which will see us move to new premises, transform our membership services and forge new partnerships.
“Not only does Wanda bring significant experience as a chief executive and leader in the voluntary sector, but, also, crucially for the Society and its members, she brings a real passion for social history.”
“We are extremely grateful to Laura Doyle for the incredible work she has done as interim CEO, stepping in to take the helm in December 2020. Her wonderful leadership has ensured that our members, staff and volunteers have had continuity and been supported over a very challenging year.”
Wyporska is the author of Witchcraft in Early Modern Poland 1500-1800 and a judge for the 2021 Pen Hessell-Tiltman Prize for History.
