Charity's chief executive 'very sad' to be retiring (From Watford Observer)

Watford New Hope Trust's chief executive Mike Smith 'very sad' to be retiring

9:40am Saturday 16th February 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

The Chief Executive of a homeless charity in Watford has announced he will be retiring this spring.

Mike Smith has led Watford New Hope Trust (WNHT) for almost six years and is now looking forward to seeing more of his family, serving his church and charities and travelling to his favourite Scottish Island, Iona.

Mr Smith said: "The time has come for me to hand over to someone who can see the trust through the next phase. Great uncertainty lies ahead, due to on-going funding pressures. However, I am confident that I am leaving behind an organisation in a strong position.

"The people I have worked with and the people of Watford have made this experience truly wonderful and, in many ways, I am very sad to be retiring."

Mike Jones, chairman of WNHT, said Mr Smith had led WNHT "tremendously well through a very challenging time."

Mr Jones said: "He has brought financial stability to our organisation and thanks also to the support of our local community we have even enjoyed small surpluses in recent years.

"The service that we provide to people who are homeless is more robust and professional than we have ever seen it and much credit is due to Mike for this. He has been a pleasure to work alongside and we shall miss him."