Christine Allen, Progressio’s Director, will be leaving Progressio in June 2012 to take up the role of Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Christian Aid. Christine said, “After 11 hugely rewarding years at Progressio it is now time to take on this new challenge. I am very sad to be leaving Progressio but, at the same time, excited at the opportunity to be joining a well-respected organisation with whom we have worked closely over the years.”
Over the last 11 years Christine has led the organisation through challenging times and throughout has kept the organisation true to its mission and strengthened its faith focus in a powerful way. She was also instrumental in CIIR adopting the name Progressio in 2006, which as a direct reference to the encyclical Populorum Progressio is a reminder of the inspiration the organisation draws from Catholic Social Teaching.
Martin McEnery, Chair of Trustees said, “We are immeasurably grateful to Christine for 11 years of dedicated work to Progressio. Her leadership has ensured that our vital work supporting local communities overseas faced with poverty has grown, developed, and is making a real difference to the lives of poor and marginalised people. Of course we are deeply sorry to see her go, but at the same time, we wish her every success in her new role at Christian Aid. She leaves Progressio in good shape, with strong programmes and funding in place.”
He continued, “The Board of Trustees has now started the process for recruiting a new Director. We will be working closely with Christine and the staff team in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Photo: Christine speaking at the Progressio AGM in 2011 flanked by Martin McEnery (right) and fellow trustee Phil King (left). Photo © Layton Thompson/Progressio.
