On 5th November 2015, Helen O'Donnell joined the Children's University family as our new CEO and Director of Partnerships. Helen's arrival allows Lynne and Mary to return to their original roles as 'Head of CU Learning Support and Development' and 'Chief Executive of CU Scotland' respectively, having worked together to act as CEO for the past few months.
Below, you can read a little bit about Helen and her past roles and achievements. Exciting times lie ahead!
Prior to joining
the Children’s University Helen was Chief Executive of Cheshire Community
Foundation, an independent charity whose main mission is to improve the quality
of life for local people by inspiring local philanthropy and investing in local
community activity. In her time with the Foundation she oversaw the investment
of £7.5m of donations from individual and corporate philanthropists. She also
oversaw the awarding of close to £2m in grants to more than 400 organisations. The
Foundation achieved Quality Accreditation by UK Community Foundations and the
Charity Commission within 2 years of being established.
Previously, Helen
was Head of Development at the University of Liverpool, where she was
responsible for leading the University’s advancement programme ensuring that
significant philanthropic investment was secured to support the University’s vision,
strategic priorities and academic focus. Before moving to the University she
was Development Director at Withington Girls' School in Manchester (her alma
mater) where she raised close to £2m for the 100 Plus Bursary Appeal. She began
her major donor fundraising career as Development Manager at Wolverhampton
Grammar School following an early career in social housing with the Housing
Corporation (now the HCA).
Helen is a member
of the Institute of Fundraising and a graduate of Common Purpose and The
Leadership Team. In 2015 she was shortlisted in the categories of Not-for-Profit/Social
Enterprise Leader of the Year and Inspiring Leader of the Year at the Forward
Ladies Women in Business Awards (North West and Isle of Man). She has a degree
in Modern Languages and lives in Cheshire with her husband and 3 daughters.
Catch you next time!
Ian