LCR Pride Foundation’s first CEO is stepping down after five years in the role. Andi Herring, who co-founded the organisation 2019, will leave the charity to pursue a new venture in freelance events.
Andi said: “After 6 years with LCR Pride Foundation it’s finally the time for me to hang up my rainbow radio. When we created the charity, our vision was always going to be ambitious. Making this a reality has certainly not been plain sailing or easy at times – not to mention navigating a global pandemic in the middle of it – but I am so proud of the progress we have made and what we have achieved to date.
“We have made some special memories during my time at the foundation. From the UK’s biggest pride march last year and hosting KyivPride on behalf of Ukraine in 2023, to Boney M on the Waterfront in 2022 and playing a part in our city hosting the Eurovision Song Contest with diversity at the forefront for the world to see.
“While I have led a broad mission at the foundation, my passion has always been our live events, and with that in mind, I am excited to be embarking on a new venture as a freelance events consultant. I leave LCR Pride Foundation in the hands of our board and interim management and hope to see the organisation’s progress continue.”
Andi will leave the foundation at the end of March 2025. Recruitment for a new CEO will start in due course, alongside expansion of the Board of Directors.
Amanda Hilton, Chair of LCR Pride Foundation’s Board of Directors, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andi for his vision and all of his hard work since the foundation’s establishment. Launching and developing schemes like the ‘You’re Safe Here’ training programme, and the UK’s first ever Rainbow Taxi Rank as part of wider safety initiatives in partnership with Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council, has supported our mission to make the Liverpool City Region the most LGBT+ friendly in the UK.
“Under his leadership, last year we also saw the largest ever March with Pride, with 25,000 marching through the city, as well as a fabulous Pride Classical and Pride in Liverpool. Live events have always been his passion, his vision and ambition for creating experiences is second to none. We are sure this will continue in his new venture, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
Image: Andy Green
