Abi Carter appointed new CEO of Share Community

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Abi Carter to the role of Chief Executive.

Abi succeeds Annie McDowall, who will retire after 19 successful years. During this time Share has grown significantly under Annie’s leadership, positively impacting the lives of disabled people and empowering them to be more independent in their communities. We wish Annie the very best for the future and thank her for her considerable achievements.

Abi will join Share on 9th May, bringing her skills and experience from roles in the public, private, and third sectors in the UK and abroad. She is currently Head of Growth and Partnerships at Dot Dot Dot Property, a social enterprise that turns empty spaces into inexpensive homes for people who volunteer. She is also currently volunteer Chair at Paddington Development Trust, an organisation that aims to empower deprived communities in London, through employability, social entrepreneurship, health and well-being programmes, and facility development.

Abi’s appointment concludes a rigorous recruitment process completed by trustees, Share’s senior management team, Share students and external partners. It was evident that Abi’s abilities, along with her inclusive and compassionate leadership style, align very well with Share’s values.

Abi will work with the Board of Trustees to lead the Share team through our post-pandemic recovery strategy, building on past successes and driving forward new initiatives to make sure we keep providing a high level of service for our students.

Kate Heaps, Share’s Chair of Trustees says, ‘I’m so pleased with the appointment of Abi as our new Chief Executive, who I’m sure will be a collaborative leader, engaging well with our students, staff and partners. Annie’s shoes are undoubtedly big shoes to fill, but it’s clear that Abi will bring her own diverse skills and knowledge as well as her willingness to learn to the role. The rest of the board and I look forward to supporting Abi and the team in this next phase of Share’s development and post-pandemic recovery so that Share continues to grow and meet the ever growing need for support in our community.’

Abi says, ‘I'm delighted to be joining Share and playing my part in making it an inspiring, rewarding and enjoyable place to work and learn new skills. The evident pride the team take in doing their jobs well and caring for the students is what has underpinned the great work Share has done over the past 50 years, and I'm looking forward to building on the strong foundations for growth that Annie will leave behind.'

Share Community warmly welcomes Abi and looks forward to an exciting future under her leadership.