Ed Bracher named new Chair of Trustees
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust are delighted to announce the appointment of Ed Bracher as Chair of its Board of Trustees. Ed succeeds our outgoing Chair, Mike Kelly who has led the charity since May 2016.
Ed Bracher is an experienced charity leader, having held senior roles in voluntary sector organisations for 20 years and has been a member of the Trust’s board since June 2017. Ed is currently the Chief Executive of Riding for the Disabled Association, where he has led a period of significant growth and professionalisation. Ed’s career has been based around supporting the power of volunteers to support people achieve extraordinary things.
The Trust would like to extend our thanks to Mike Kelly for the exceptional service he has given to the organisation throughout a period of change since 2016. Mike had large shoes to fill when he took over as chair from Col. Dame Kelly Holmes who stepped up into a Presidential role following eight years as Chair. Mike’s extensive experience from both the corporate and third sector has been integral in the Trust’s ability to deliver transformational programmes to thousands of young people facing disadvantage over the past three and a half years.
Col. Dame Kelly Holmes said:
“We are delighted to welcome Ed to the position of Chair at what is an extremely exciting time for my charity. Ed’s expertise and skills in the voluntary sector are exceptional and I have no doubt that under his leadership we will continue to develop our impact, supporting athletes to change the lives of more young people facing disadvantage across the UK.
I also want pay special tribute to our outgoing chair Mike Kelly, whose passion, integrity and experience have been crucial to the Trust’s development. He has been key to our ability to evolve as an organisation and under his leadership we are now a truly UK wide charity due to the introduction of our work recently in Northern Ireland. On behalf of everyone at the Trust, thank you.”
Ed Bracher said:
“I feel truly honoured to be appointed as Chair of a charity that has made such a profound impact on the lives of world class athletes and young people across the UK. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and our dedicated team of staff and athletes to deliver on our current strategy and beyond. None of our work would be possible without our partners and supporters and I’d particularly like to thank People’s Postcode Lottery and Sport England for their ongoing support.”
Mike Kelly added:
“It has been a real privilege to have been the Chair of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. To have worked with such an incredible team of trustees, staff and athletes who have helped the charity support thousands of young people has been an honour and an experience I will always cherish. I am delighted that Ed, who has already made a fantastic contribution as a Trust board member, has been appointed as my successor and wish him all the best in the future.”