UK's BHC Appoints Charlene Brooks as New CEO

UK’s Belfast Healthy Cities (BHC) has appointed Charlene Brooks as its new chief executive officer. Her appointment will be effective from April 2024.

The Moria lady was previously the CEO at Parenting Focus (then Parenting NI). Charlene has a prior experience in the voluntary and community sector with her professional journey spanning over 25 years. She has been committed to championing early intervention programs and services throughout her career. Charlene will guide BHC in the future by leveraging her in-depth knowledge and understanding of the sector along with her wealth of extensive network of relationships across voluntary, public, and private sectors.

In her previous role as the CEO, Charlene has showcased superlative skill in building teams from scratch and helping organisations achieve their full potential. She also holds strategic experience drawn from her experience while serving as the current vice chair of NICVA and chair of the Charity Commission NI Independent Stakeholder Forum. Being at the helm of such institutions has enhanced Charlene’s role reputation as an able professional, armed with adept insights into the needs of partnership working.                                      

Speaking about Charlene’s appointment as the CEO, Michael Boyd OBE, chair of Belfast Healthy Cities, said: "We are delighted to welcome Charlene Brooks as the new chief executive of Belfast Healthy Cities. Charlene brings a wealth of experience and her comprehensive networks across all sectors perfectly aligns with our mission. As chair, I am confident that under Charlene’s guidance, Belfast Healthy Cities will rise to new heights, tackling health inequalities and enhancing the well-being of our communities for many years to come."Upon accepting her new role, Charlene added: "I am honoured to join Belfast Healthy Cities and contribute to its mission of creating a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable Belfast. I look forward to working with the team, our partners, and the community to build on the organisation's impressive legacy and to address the health challenges our city faces."