A big thank you and farewell to Cleveland, our Chair of Trustees

This month we say farewell to Cleveland Henry, after 7 years as a Trustee of Leeds Community Foundation, and 2 years as Chair. Cleveland has been a steadfast leader, championing the Foundation and our vision of a fairer Leeds for everyone. 

Cleveland joined the board of Trustees in 2019, and helped steer the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. Since he took on the role of Chair in 2023, he’s led the Foundation through one of the most difficult times for the sector, as the compounding effects of the recent years’ challenges have taken their toll on our communities and our donors.  

While Cleveland’s formal term of office is coming to an end, his relationship with the Foundation is not. We’re delighted that he’ll continue his strong advocacy for our work, not least as a Steering Group member for the Leeds Digital Ball. In this role he’ll continue to unite the city’s digital and tech sectors to address digital exclusion and create opportunities for local people to access the skills, confidence and tools they need to be active online. 

Steph Taylor, Leeds Community Foundation Chief Executive says: 

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work more closely with Cleveland since I took on the role of Chief Executive at the Foundation at the start of 2024. He’s been a great source of support, guidance and challenge, and he’s helped to make the Foundation what it is today. From taking a leading role in our diversity, equity and inclusion work, to driving the development of our current strategic plan, his impact will certainly live on. We are really grateful for his years of service and the commitment he has shown to his position alongside a successful career and other important roles in the city and I am looking forward to working together in new ways in the years to come.” 

Cleveland’s passion for our communities has always been clear, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for everything he’s done throughout his years on the board.