Long-serving Calderdale Charity Leader to Retire after 26 years
Steve joined the Foundation in January 2000 as a Development Officer, before becoming Assistant Director in 2002 and Chief Executive Officer in 2004. During that time, he has played a key role in shaping the organisation and supporting communities across Calderdale.
His leadership has been particularly significant during some of the borough’s most challenging moments. Following the Boxing Day floods in 2015, the Foundation helped raise more than £1.6 million to support local recovery, later developing longer-term initiatives such as the Watermark Fund and FloodSave scheme to help communities build resilience.
Speaking about his decision, Steve said, “It has been a privilege to serve the Foundation and the communities of Calderdale over such a long period of time. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, it feels like the right moment to pass on leadership and create space for the next phase of the organisation’s development.
“Looking ahead, my wife Alex and I are delighted to be establishing a new fund with the Foundation to support young people in Calderdale to improve their life chances and realise their ambitions. We warmly invite others to join us in growing this fund through donations and community fundraising.”
Nigel Cliffe, Chair of Trustees, paid tribute to the long serving CEO, “Steve’s impact on Calderdale and the Community Foundation has been exceptional. Under his leadership, the organisation has grown into a strong, trusted and highly regarded charity with deep local knowledge and a significant role within the wider community foundation network.”
He added, “We are fortunate to have a strong and experienced team in place, who will play an important role in supporting the organisation through this transition. With Steve providing significant notice, we are able to plan carefully and ensure a smooth and positive transition to new leadership.
The Trustees will begin the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer in the coming months.
There will be opportunities later in the year to celebrate Steve’s contribution, as well as to support the new fund being established in his name to benefit young people across the borough”.
