Chief officer of charity retires after 35 years

A CHARITY’S chief officer has spoken of her honour in leading the organisation for 35 years as she hands over the reins and retires.

Sharon Alexander was treated to an afternoon tea celebration to mark her retirement from her role as chief officer at Community Voluntary Services Tendring on Thursday.

The former police officer was given gifts and well-wishes from members of partner organisations, funders, charities, the NHS Integrated Care Board, councils, staff and volunteers.

Memories were shared and thanks were given from charities such as Essex Carers Support which Sharon was instrumental in starting up, while others gave personal thanks for her mentorship, honesty, integrity and passion.

Brenda Ellis, CVST’s chairman, said: “I’m so grateful to have worked with Sharon for many years and been a part of the incredible work she has done for the residents of Tendring.
“She has seen the launch of many projects and charities that have gone on to thrive independently, and supported many more, all with the core goal of making this district a better place for those who live here.

“We all wish her the very best for the future and offer her our sincere thanks for 35 years of exemplary service to CVST.”

Susannah Howard, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex integrated care partnership director, gave a presentation about Sharon’s contribution to the voluntary sector at the recent ICB Can Do Health and Care Awards in Newmarket where CVST was part of three award nominations.

At Thursday’s afternoon tea, Susannah said: “As well as being a strong voice for Tendring, Sharon has also been a key leader in the wider health and care system as a voice for the voluntary sector and the importance of collaboration in health and care.

“Health and care leaders from across the region will miss her kindness and inspiration.”

Sharon thanked the staff, board of trustees and volunteers for being the cogs in a huge CVST wheel that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

She said: “I started at CVST in an attic with a typewriter with two missing keys.

“The lottery wasn’t a thing at the time and when it started I did lots of training and applied to get a grant for our own building, which is where we still are today at Imperial House.

“It has been an incredible journey for me and leading this charity has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

“When all the elements work, magic happens and together with the staff, board of trustees and volunteers we’ve built something truly meaningful — an organisation that has made a real difference in people’s lives.

Though I’m moving on, I have full confidence in the future of this charity. The work will continue, and I know it will thrive under Lisa’s leadership, she truly is multi-talented and will be phenomenal!”

Sharon plans to spend time with her family in her retirement but has agreed to be the CVST elected representative on the Clacton Town Board.

Lisa Andrews, who will become the new chief officer at CVST, said: “Sharon is one of the most modest people I have ever met and I have spent many years trying to convince her to take just a little bit of credit for everything she has achieved over the past 35 years.

“CVST is an incredible, highly respected, brilliant charity that makes a difference to people’s lives every single day and that is due in no small part to Sharon’s vision, leadership, drive, passion, loyalty and tenacity.

“I am going to very much miss working with her every day.”

Councillor Bill Davidson, chairman of Tendring District Council, said: “Sharon has worked tirelessly to serve our community over her tenure at the helm of CVS Tendring, setting a fantastic example and embodying the spirit of ‘for the good of all’.

“We wish her the very best in her retirement.”