A Brighton charity has chosen former council leader Simon Burgess to chair its board of trustees.
The Sussex Beacon announced today that it had appointed Mr Burgess, who lives in Hove, at its annual general meeting last Wednesday (6 October).
Mr Burgess is a former leader of Brighton and Hove City Council and came second when he stood for Labour in the Brighton Kemptown constituency at the general election in May.
The board said: “Simon is well known as a former leader of the city council.
“His experience both as a politician and a charity fundraiser go hand in hand with his passion for community and a drive to make a difference.”
Kat Williams, the Beacon’s chief executive, said: “Simon has the strength, experience and skills to facilitate the clear strategic direction needed to lead the organisation into the future.
“I am looking forward to working with him enormously.”
Mr Burgess said: “The Sussex Beacon is a valued and highly respected organisation and deservedly so.
“I believe that by getting involved in the things we care about, we can all make a difference and I can’t think of a better charity in which to invest my time and effort.
“I am keen to raise the profile of the charity as well as awareness of the issues involved and tackle any prejudice that exists.
“The Sussex Beacon is rightly valued by the community and I look forward to working with politicians from all parties to try to secure its future.
“I am also looking forward to working with the incredibly dedicated team of trustees, staff and volunteers, as well as encouraging more supporters so that the Sussex Beacon can continue to go from strength to strength.”
Mr Burgess takes over from Michael Le Garst, who has retired after nearly four years as chairman and nine years as a trustee.
Mr Le Garst told the Beacon’s newsletter: “I became chair at a time when the Sussex Beacon was facing some uncertainty.
“Consequently, I have worked to influence positive change in the way the community views the Beacon and in creating stronger ties between the board and the rest of the organisation.
“I have felt hugely privileged to be chair of the Sussex Beacon and so proud to be a part of many positive changes across the organisation.”
Kat Williams said: “We would like to thank Michael for his steadfastness and commitment over the years.
“He has been instrumental in moving the Beacon forward and he will be greatly missed.”
The Beacon, based in Bevendean Rod, Brighton, opened in 1992 and helps people living with HIV.
It runs one of only two clinical care centres of its kind in England, with ten in-patient beds as well as day care.
It was originally a hospice for people dying of Aids. The switch in focus has been made possible by advances in drug treatments.
