Following a 12-month tenure as LCR Pride Foundation’s Interim CEO, Andi Herring has formally been appointed into the role on a permanent basis.
Co-founder of the LCR Pride Foundation, Andi, was appointed Interim CEO in January 2020 following a successful first year for the charity, with the largest ‘March with Pride’ ever seen in the city and faster-than-expected growth.
His role had been intended to focus on driving the strategic goals of the organisation, managing overall operations and leading on key events and campaigns delivered by the organisation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic meant his envisioned objectives were transformed.
In his interim role, the former Head of Business Insight at Liverpool BID Company and activist, who has been involved in LGBT+ organisations and projects in the city region for the last eight years, was faced with the unprecedented challenges of operating in a global pandemic.
Despite having to cancel the foundation’s flagship event, Pride in Liverpool and postponing the second LCR Pride Awards, among many other new, planned events, Andi’s leadership meant that the organisation was still able to move forward in its objectives
From taking Film with Pride and the annual March with Pride online, to launching the organisation’s first Community Fund and organising a virtual discussion about the GRA between local MPs and trans support groups in the region, keeping the LGBT+ community connected, visible and supported.
Lewis Collins, Chair of the LCR Pride Foundation Board of Directors, added: “Over the past ten months, in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, Andi has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, maintaining a calm and innovative approach to overcoming the challenges the organisation has faced.
He has remained focused on our core objectives, while also reacting to the changing needs of the region’s LGBT+ community as it has navigated the pandemic. We are confident that LCR Pride Foundation will grow and thrive with Andi at the helm, especially as we move into the new year and a post-pandemic world.”
Lewis added: “It’s fair to say that this year has been a baptism of fire for a new CEO, but I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished, despite the challenges we have faced. I would like to thank all of our partners and volunteers, as well as our staff team and the board of directors for their support. We have achieved this by working together and I look forward to seeing what the new year brings.”
Image Credit: Andy Green
