Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) extends a warm welcome to Professor Julie Mennell DL as new Trustee and Chair Designate as part of Board succession planning at the Charity.
The role of Chair at CYZ has been held by Chris Holmes DL since 2013, during which time the Charity has reached in excess of 11,500 young people aged 7 – 25yrs. As part of succession planning for the conclusion of his 10-year tenure, Chris and the Board of Trustee’s, alongside newly appointed Chief Executive Caroline Taylor-Beswick, are delighted to welcome Professor Julie Mennell DL to take forwards this pivotal role from April 2023.
Chris comments, “it has been a huge privilege to hold the role of Chair for Carlisle Youth Zone over the last 10 years, and I am so proud to have seen first-hand the enormous difference the work of the charity makes for young people in Carlisle. As we commence 2023, I know that work has never been more needed, with increasing numbers of young people coming to access the fun, support and opportunities our dedicated team provide. And that’s why over the last year we have been preparing carefully for leadership succession, including setting 5 new strategic priorities, appointing a new Chief Executive, and securing the support of a new Chair, all of which place the organisation in a robust position to continue to respond to young people’s needs in the years ahead. I am delighted to be able to welcome Professor Mennell to the Board of Trustee’s, and know her knowledge, experience and dedication to young people will make a significant contribution to the Charities ongoing development”.
Professor Julie Mennell DL is Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria. A mathematics and physics graduate with a PhD in Applied Physics. In April 2022 Julie was appointed as one of six new Deputy Lieutenants for the county of Cumbria and is Co-chair of Cumbria LEP’s People, Employment & Skills Strategy Group.
On why she was keen to volunteer and join the Board, Julie comments “I am delighted to be joining Carlisle Youth Zone as Chair of the board. I thank Chris for all he has done for CYZ, and the thousands of Carlisle’s young people that have come through its doors, during his ten-years as Chair. He leaves a tremendous legacy.
“Our young people deserve our time, care and encouragement, not least in these difficult times for so many. Together with other youth organisations across Carlisle and Cumbria, CYZ provides this support and so much more, helping and encouraging our young people to grow their confidence and to realise their huge potential.
“This commitment to our young people and the communities they are part of, resonates with me personally as well as professionally and I look forward to joining CYZ, Caroline and the team, to play my small role, alongside so many member organisations and ambassadors, in growing CYZ’s reach and impact further.”
Julie is set to join the Board this month as Chair Designate, operating alongside Chris over a transition period. Also joining as a new Trustee this month is Neil McIntyre, Managing Director at Kingmoor Park. Neil is part of the CYZ Business Ambassadors Group, who are a dedicated group of people connected to businesses within the CYZ Patron Family, and who go even further in assisting the Charity with spreading awareness of the work they do and securing much needed support.
CYZ is a charity which opened in 2011 with the objective of supporting young people’s personal, social and educational development. They do this by giving young people from diverse backgrounds access to incredible facilities 6 nights a week, in a vibrant, purpose-built space packed with engaging activities, and the opportunity to make friends, develop new skills, unlock their potential and have fun.
