NYAS have appointed a new Chief Executive Officer to lead NYAS Cymru, the Welsh division of NYAS, headed up by Group CEO Rita Waters.

Sharon Lovell, MBE has been promoted from National Executive Director for Wales to the leading role with immediate effect. Sharon initially joined NYAS back in 2005 as a Project Coordinator for Caerphilly, and was the first staff member for NYAS in Wales and has since progressed to an executive management position, securing major grants and funding to provide vital services in Wales.

In her role as National Executive Director for Wales, Sharon has been responsible for the oversight of strategic direction, operational services, policy and campaigning on behalf of NYAS within Wales, with a workforce of over 100 staff and volunteers.

Sharon played an instrumental role in lobbying for independent professional advocacy to become enshrined in legislation and was part of the advocacy movement in Wales. This has resulted in every child and young person having an active offer of advocacy when they first come into care and being subject to child protection procedures.

“I am immensely proud and delighted to be appointed CEO of NYAS Cymru,” said Sharon.

“I am honoured to work with such an excellent charity that is always on the side of the child/young person. I work with an extremely dedicated team who change the lives of young people every day.”

Rita Waters, NYAS Group CEO across England and Wales said: “Sharon’s ongoing commitment and passion to ensure that the voice of children and young people is heard is obvious and has been instrumental in the recent growth of NYAS services and projects in Wales. I congratulate Sharon on her appointment and look forward to working with her going forward.”