Progressio is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Lister as its new Chief Executive.
Sharing the news, Martin McEnery, Chair of Trustees said: "Mark greatly impressed the panel with his track record of high level management in the voluntary sector, his vision for Progressio's future, and his passion for Progressio's values. We're delighted to welcome him and look forward to his leadership in the years ahead."
Mark Lister said "I'm thrilled to be joining Progressio at this exciting time. During my years with Progressio in the 1990s, I met women and men in Yemen, Central America and from Southern Africa who worked with incredible courage, resourcefulness and hope in the face of poverty. Their inspirational lives are what gives me the burning drive to rejoin the Progressio team to lead and further develop its distinctive and highly effective approach of people powered development."
Mark Lister joins Progressio from Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care, where he is the Chief Executive. IRGH works with 160 staff and 1500 volunteers to provide "hospice at home" and day hospice care to over 2,000 people annually. Mark knows Progressio well, having spent 5 years working in the organisation during the 1990s and has stayed in touch as a member ever since. Originally from Yorkshire, Mark now lives in St Albans and is married with two teenage boys. He describes his interests as "spending time with family and friends, and also out running with my boisterous red setter to keep fit for hockey".
Progressio, an international development charity with Catholic roots, works in 11 countries including Yemen, Zimbabwe, and Haiti. Last year Progressio worked with 526 local organisations to improve environmental management, build accountability to poor communities, and tackle HIV and AIDS. Progressio is also participating in a new UK government programme for young volunteers, International Citizen Service.
Mark Lister added, "I'm greatly looking forward to getting to know staff, partners, supporters and friends of Progressio in the coming months."
Martin McEnery concluded, "Progressio's work helping people in developing countries overcome the barriers that keep them poor has never been more relevant. The Trustees are delighted that Mark will be leading this vital work into the future."
Notes to Editors
1. For further information about the appointment of Mark Lister please contact Tim Aldred tim@progressio.org.uk or call 020 7733 1195 / 077 4054 3047.
2. Mark Lister will join Progressio in October 2012. He replaces Christine Allen, who joined Christian Aid in May 2012. Progressio's acting director is James Collins.
