Lancashire Mind appoints new chief executive

Mental health charity Lancashire Mind has announced the appointment of David Dunwell as their new chief executive officer (CEO) following a rigorous selection process. 

David’s professional leadership background is in the third sector, and he currently works as CEO of Fleetwood Town Community Trust. He previously worked as deputy chief executive officer at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.  
Within both organisations, David has supported and overseen projects in similar spheres to the work Lancashire Mind undertakes, including schools’ programmes, employability initiatives, adult training and mental health support sessions. 

David said: “I am genuinely honoured to have been offered this prestigious role as CEO at Lancashire Mind and I’m really looking forward to meeting all the team and leading the organisation into the next chapter of its journey.  
“As somebody with a genuine passion for mental health - due to several close friends and family members experiencing poor mental health – this opportunity is a perfect fit. I’ll be marrying my existing skillset and experiences with a cause I truly care about, based in the town and county where I have always worked and called home.”  

Chair of trustees, Janet Richmond, said: "I’ve been working with David in his capacity as a trustee over the last 12 months and I'm delighted that he is now going to be taking up the role of CEO, to lead the wonderful team that we have at Lancashire Mind.  

“David stood out from a strong list of candidates as having an excellent approach to leadership, understanding the importance of engaging and involving people and providing the clarity needed to achieve our strategy, along with a good understanding and grasp of what Lancashire Mind is all about. 

 “Here at Lancashire Mind our values are at the core of everything we do. David clearly demonstrated what these values meant to him and how he lives by these.  He has bold ambitions for making a positive difference for the people and communities of Lancashire, and we are excited about him joining us." 

David brings with him a network of contacts in the third and health sectors across Lancashire, whilst having a track record and experience in fundraising, governance and other key knowledge areas. 

David said, “There is more of an understanding of mental health, but we are still at the start of the journey and there are large numbers of people who would benefit from our support and knowledge.  

“I welcome this challenge and know that along with the hard working staff at Lancashire Mind, we will continue to make a measurable difference, achieve amazing things and change lives.” 

Mr Dunwell will take up the role at the beginning of February and replaces outgoing chief executive, Tommy McIlravey, who left the role in December.