Leadership update: Jess Camburn to step down as Elrha’s CEO

Today, we’re sharing the news that Jess Camburn, our CEO, will be leaving Elrha later this year.

We hear from Jess about her decision, and Jane Cocking, Chair of our Board of Trustees, on what comes next…

After fifteen incredible years at the helm of Elrha I have made the very difficult decision that the time is right for me to move on. I will be stepping down as Elrha’s CEO in the Autumn, taking up the CEO role with Cerebra, the national charity dedicated to helping children with brain conditions and their families.

It has been an immense privilege to have been with Elrha since its very first day and to have worked with the most inspirational, and dedicated team of people, who have helped to grow our organisation into the respected NGO it is today. I want to thank all the wonderful staff and Trustees, past and present, who have supported and championed me to lead Elrha alongside being a mum to my three young girls.

I have personally grown and learnt so much from so many people over the years. It is impossible to sum up the value of the time and effort of those who have shared in Elrha’s vision and supported our work every step of the way. When the time comes for me to leave, I will do my best to express more personal thanks to everyone for their part in Elrha’s story so far.

We have an ambitious long-term strategy to deliver and I’m excited by the opportunity a new leader will bring, adding momentum, different perspectives and expanded networks. Our Board of Trustees will soon start the process to find a new CEO to take Elrha forward and continue our work as a driving force for the change we need to see. Whoever has the privilege to take on this role will discover an organisation full of passion, creativity, talent and drive – it is a job in a million!

— Jess Camburn, CEO, Elrha 

On behalf of Elrha’s Board of Trustees I am extremely sorry that Jess will soon be moving on from Elrha. She has been an extraordinary leader for over 15 years as it has grown from a small project to a mature organisation. Her vision and commitment have been key to its growth and development and it has been a pleasure to see her lead the team with such thoughtfulness and integrity.

We will shortly begin the search for a successor to Jess. This is a significant moment for Elrha and rest assured that throughout this process of transition we will ensure that there is the capacity, clarity and accountability needed to maintain Elrha’s work throughout.

There will be time over the coming months to say thank you properly to Jess and to mark the incredible job that she has done at Elrha. For now, the Trustees and I offer her all our good wishes as she prepares for the next phase of her career.

— Jane Cocking, Chair of Elrha’s Board of Trustees