New CEO for Woodbrooke
'Mandy Cooper said that her admiration for the ‘progressive and pioneering nature’ of the Quaker community grew from her first encounter at Friends House in London ten years ago.'
Woodbrooke trustees have announced the appointment of Mandy Cooper as the new permanent CEO to lead the charity into 2024 and beyond.
Taking over from Sandra Berry, Woodbrooke’s director, and Martin Ford, interim co-CEO, ‘Mandy brings a rich leadership experience’, said a statement from Woodbrooke. With a background in communications and organisational psychology, the former Bayberry Ltd CEO has also served as a treasurer and commercial director, ‘giving her the perfect mix of skills to take Woodbrooke into a new era’.
Mandy Cooper said that her admiration for the ‘progressive and pioneering nature’ of the Quaker community grew from her first encounter at Friends House in London ten years ago. ‘Later, in 2019, I highlighted Quaker compassion in my contribution to the Parliamentary review, and our paths have continued to converge in shared values, justice, theology and philosophy. Woodbrooke’s continuing potential is extraordinary. As the opportunities of the information age converge with the newly-emerging immersive age, we see a vision for Woodbrooke to pioneer in this space; to engender accessibility, envision possibilities and be of benefit to all.’
Mandy Cooper’s appointment marks a change in leadership at Woodbrooke with Sandra Berry stepping back after thirteen years in post as director. Woodbrooke trustees paid tribute to Sandra Berry’s service to Woodbrooke through ‘the many challenges and changes’ of the last thirteen years. ‘Sandra laid the foundations for Woodbrooke to thrive into the coming decade. She will hand over to Mandy in January 2024, and leave Woodbrooke early in the New Year.’
Trustees also thanked Martin Ford, interim co-CEO for the past year, saying he ‘helped reshape the organisation ahead of the appointment of a permanent CEO’.
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