Jewish charity head ‘humbled’ to be appointed new Norwood chief executive

The boss of learning disability charity Kisharon has said she is “humbled” to be appointed the new chief executive of fellow Jewish charity Norwood.

Dr Beverley Jacobson, 51, a former management consultant who has spent the last decade growing Kisharon, was hailed by Norwood this week as “an inspirational leader” who had the right experience working in the community.

She takes over from outgoing Norwood chief Elaine Kerr, who said: “I’m delighted to be able to hand over the role to Bev and wish her every success. I hope she enjoys working at Norwood as much as I have.”

Neville Kahn, the charity’s new chair, said there had been a “comprehensive recruitment process with many high calibre candidates” and said Kerr had made “an enormous contribution” to the organisation over the past seven years.

This week Jacobson said: “I am extremely passionate about everything Norwood represents and am humbled by the honour and excited by the challenge of this job.

“For me it is an opportunity to help a greater number of people and develop more partnership work across the community. It also provides a substantial platform from which to advocate for the cause.”

She added: “I salute Elaine for the contribution she has made in professionalising the organisation and I look forward to working with Neville, the Trustee Board and the strong team Elaine has put in place.”

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