New Chair appointed at Advance Housing & Support
Advance Housing & Support is delighted to announce that Melba Wilson has been appointed Chair from January 2018 after Ian Green steps down.
Melba has been a member of the Advance Board since 2009 and Vice- Chair since 2012. She has over twenty years’ experience working in the public sector primarily focused on health and mental health policy and practice. She has held a number of positions in an executive and non-executive capacity, including policy director for national Mind, chair of Wandsworth Primary Care Trust, non-executive director on South West London & St. George’s Mental Health Trust Board, and as deputy chair of the London Health Commission.
Most recently, she was named joint winner of the Beyond Governance award at the 3rd Sector Care Awards and shortlisted for the Women in Housing award in the category of most effective Board member.
Speaking about her appointment Melba said: ‘I am really pleased and look forward to taking up the role of Chair of Advance. It has been a real privilege to be on the Board, as a member and as Vice-Chair. I would like to pay tribute to Ian Green, who has led the Board so ably for the past four and a half years. He leaves the organisation in a strong position. My aim is to do justice to that legacy and to continue to work with Julie, her team, the Board and our customers to ensure that Advance goes from strength to strength.’
Ian Green joined the Advance Board in May 2013. Commenting he said: ‘It has been a real honour to have been Chair for the past four and a half years and in witnessing first-hand the huge contribution Advance makes to enabling our customers to be as independent and fulfilled as possible. I am delighted that Melba is succeeding me as Chair. I have worked closely with her as Vice-Chair and I know that with Julie Layton (CEO) she will provide excellent leadership to Advance.’
Commenting on the appointment, Julie Layton CEO said: ‘I would like to thank Ian for his support and leadership of Advance over the last five years. He has provided stability and leadership to the organisation during a period of change and challenge in our sector. I am delighted that Melba has been appointed as Chair. Her vast experience in the health and mental health field brings considerable insight. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her and the Board to achieve our vision.’