THE NEW chief executive of the Community Council for Somerset has been announced recently, with Keeley Rudd named as the woman taking the reins.

Keeley has taken up the post after the previous chief executive Katherine Armstrong’s maternity cover comes to an end.

Keeley joined CCS in August 2010, initially as the Community Involvement Officer, then progressing to Community Involvement Manager in 2012. Keeley then became Acting CEO from January 2015 whilst Katherine Armstrong, the outgoing CEO took her maternity leave.

However, following Katherine’s decision not to return, the CCS Board unanimously appointed Keeley as the new CEO with effect from January 2016.

Keeley said: "I feel very proud to have been given this opportunity especially following in Katherine’s footsteps as she has led CCS through huge organisational changes over the last few years.

"I have a fantastic and dedicated team and look forward to facing the challenges and opportunities which will undoubtedly come our way."

Chairman Tess Gill said: "Having worked with both Katherine and Keeley since becoming chairman in 2011, I have every confidence that we are still in good hands.

"I would like to send all good wishes to Katherine for the future and look forward to continuing to work with Keeley over the coming months."

CCS delivers an range of personalised support and services for communities across Somerset.

Over the last 12 months, CCS has helped local community projects to secure £815,969 of funding, with a 100 per cent success rate for funding applications.

Somerset Village Agents have supported almost 1000 people in the last 12 months.

Katherine Armstrong said: “Keeley and I worked well as a team since she joined in 2010 and although I am sorry in many ways to leave CCS I know that the organisation will go from strength to strength.”