Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marilyn Toft as Chair to the Board of Trustees.
Marilyn takes on the role from former Chair, Peter Cousins, who is retiring from the Board when his term of office ends on 27 April 2021. Peter, a valued and highly regarded member of the Board was also Chair of the Finance and Personnel Sub-committee. Simon Charlick will proceed Peter as Chair to the Sub-committee.
Marilyn, a lifelong Charlton fan joined the Board in December 2013. A teacher by profession, Marilyn has taught in disadvantaged communities in London and Bristol and subsequently led professional development programmes for education staff in schools, local authorities, multi-academy trusts and the voluntary sector. Much of this work centred around leadership development, equalities, mental health and HIV and Aids education.
Marilyn is also Chair of CACT’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Safeguarding Sub-committee.
Jason Morgan MBE, Chief Executive said:
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Trustees, the Executive Team and all our Staff to thank Peter for his valued contribution to the Trust and as Chair to the Finance and Personnel Sub-committee for over 12 years. Peter took over as Chair to the Board at short notice in July 2019 and we are grateful for his dedicated professionalism and supporting us through some unprecedented challenges caused by the pandemic.
“We are grateful for Peter’s input that has helped shape CACT in evolving to support and meet the needs in our local communities.
“Marilyn and I have worked together on several projects and most recently on an exciting joint Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy with the Football Club. I am looking forward to working with Marilyn in her new role as Chair”.
Marilyn Toft, Chair of the Board said:
“I would like to reiterate Jason’s sincere thanks to Peter. Peter’s professionalism has been inspirational to us all, and we all wish him well for the future.
“As newly appointed Chair, I welcome this opportunity to support Jason and the CACT team, working alongside a talented and highly-skilled group of Trustees, to serve the needs of our local communities and beyond.”
Peter Cousins, Ex Chair of the Board said:
“I have very much enjoyed my time as a trustee of CACT and it has been rewarding to share in its many achievements and awards. I’m pleased to be leaving a very strong Board to take the organisation forward.
“I wish Marilyn well in her new role, and I wish continued success to CACT, its Trustees and to its Staff.”
In 2020, CACT was delighted to welcome five new Trustees to the Board: Simon Charlick, Calum Coker, Martin Griffiths, Tracy Herd and Chris Lunn. Their knowledge and experience in communications, finance, fundraising, health and inclusion has strengthened the Board to support CACT’s continued development for the benefit of all our service users.