We’re delighted to announce that Jackie O’Sullivan has joined us as our new Chair of the Board.
Jackie is currently Executive Director of Strategy and Influence at Mencap, where she has held senior comms and advocacy positions since 2018. She was previously the Director of National Lottery Good Causes and has worked in several government departments and at the European Commission in Brussels.
Jackie joins the CharityComms’ Board at a time of change, as communicators respond to a shifting operating environment. But it’s also an exciting time for our organisation as we move into the implementation phase of our new strategy to build on our achievements and develop new ways to engage and support communicators – all with the view of delivering an even better service to our members. We are looking forward to working with Jackie to put this plan into action, harnessing the breadth and depth of experience she brings.
Jackie said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Chair of CharityComms. It’s a brilliant organisation.
Every charity needs great communicators. Whether we are fundraising, campaigning, connecting with communities, marketing services, raising awareness, or changing attitudes, communications help us achieve our missions and goals. Our sector is full of talented people and this is down in no small part to Adeela and her team.
This is an exciting time for communications professionals. We have experienced unprecedented change to our craft in the last few years – and the pace of change continues to accelerate. Never has CharityComms been more relevant and more needed – and I look forward to being part of their future.”
As we welcome Jackie, we of course say goodbye to our outgoing Chair, Mark Russell. In his six years of service, Mark has helped steer the charity through the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
Throughout his tenure, Mark has led us through change projects that will have a lasting impact – from updating our Charitable Articles to give us the flexibility to diversify the skills and experience of the board to championing a business review that helped us to identify strategic opportunities to strengthen and clarify the purpose and value of the organisation.
Mark said: “As Chair of CharityComms I’ve been lucky enough to work with an amazing group of trustees over the last six years, and I’m excited for the future as we welcome Jackie as our new Chair.
CharityComms is well placed to continue its crucial work supporting charity communicators and nurturing the unique and diverse group of members it serves so ably.
Working with our CEO, Adeela, has been a privilege, and I look forward to seeing Adeela and the expert team at CharityComms implement new ideas and services that will continue to support, challenge and nurture communicators everywhere.
Above all, I want to thank CharityComms members, who recognised the value provided by CharityComms through the pandemic and beyond, and who continue to provide content, thinking and challenge to one another to ensure our special community can grow, improve and innovate together.”
Through the support of Mark’s leadership, characterised by insight, passion and warmth, our organisation is in a good position to continue to serve and champion communications professionals in the sector. Thank you Mark for everything you have helped us to achieve.
Jackie is looking forward to meeting our members both in-person and online at events, including our AGM in November 2025, where we will share the highlights of our upcoming annual report and outline our plans for the future. In the meantime, catch up on our 2023-24 highlights and join us in welcoming Jackie to the board.
