Mark Russell has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of The Children's Society.
Mark is currently Chief Executive at Church Army, a charity that works across the British Isles serving over 11,000 people each month. Their work in Cardiff supports homeless young people and young people experiencing self harm, and The Marylebone Project is the largest women only homeless project in the UK providing over 40,000 nights of accommodation each year.
Mark has spent more than 12 years as a charity CEO and combines private sector experience with a decade on the ground as a youth worker. Mark grew up in Northern Ireland and gained experience early in his career working with young people from Protestant and Catholic backgrounds to build understanding in the run up to the Good Friday Agreement.
Janet Legrand QC (Hon), Chair of The Children's Society, said: "We are delighted to appoint Mark as the next Chief Executive of The Children's Society, from a diverse and high-calibre shortlist.
"His significant senior leadership experience will help us to drive through our strategy and impact plans, and he has infectious enthusiasm for the social justice mission of The Children's Society and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Mark commented: "I am excited and thrilled to be joining The Children's Society and am really grateful for the opportunity to join the team.
"For years I have been a huge fan of the amazing work The Children's Society does in transforming lives and advocating change. I have donated clothes to Children's Society shops, delivered Christingle services, and read and shared The Good Childhood Report every year.
Mark has served as a lay member on the General Synod of the Church of England, and is currently on the Archbishops' Council. He has been a governor of a Special Needs school in Sheffield and is a supporter of Diverse Church, an organisation for LGBT Christians. He will relocate to the London area prior to taking up this appointment in August.
For more information, please contact The Children's Society's media team on 0207 8414422 or media@childrenssociety.org.uk For out-of-hours enquiries please call 07810 796 508.