Joe, who joined the Foundation in January 2016, has played a key role in evolving the charity into the organisation it is today making positive and lasting change to nearly 16,000 people a year. Leading significant growth and diversification that now includes health & wellbeing, education, employability, physical activity and creating new fans within the communities it serves, Joe led the Foundation through significant periods including two ambitious strategies, the Covid-19 pandemic, spearheading the efforts of both Club & Foundation to support those that needed us most, and more recently overseeing a record £10.69 million of social impact.
He said: “My time at the Foundation has been a real privilege, being part of an incredible team and working with some truly special people so devoted to creating opportunities that improves peoples lives. When I first started we were a team of 12, mainly working in schools, and now we are a team of over 60 staff working across Hertfordshire delivering such a wide range of projects, many of which you wouldn’t associate with a football club charity, but that is a testament to commitment and passion of the team we have.
“Over the years I’ve learnt so much from Foundation and Club staff, trustees, partners and fans about what a club can mean to its community, and I’m grateful to each and everyone of them. This decision has not been an easy one, but I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to still support Stevenage in my new role.
“I want to particularly thank my board of trustees for their support during my time, throughout the successes and challenges, but most importantly it is the Foundation staff who are some of the best people that I know and have been fortunate to work with. This is my local club, and I’ve spent a quarter of my life and half my career at Stevenage, it will always be a special place for me, and I know that the Foundation is in a position to kick on even further, with its 15th anniversary around the corner coinciding with the club’s 50th anniversary. I look forward to seeing what those celebrations, and the future brings. Up the Boro!”
Foundation Chair of Trustees, Steve McQueen said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Joe over the years, first in my role as a trustee and more recently as Chair. His excellent leadership has guided the Foundation through periods of great challenge and change, including the Covid-19 pandemic, and has been instrumental in shaping the successful, respected organisation we are today.
“Joe leaves a lasting legacy, not only in the growth and strength of the Foundation, but in the positive difference he has made to the lives of thousands of local residents. While we will greatly miss his drive, vision, and passion for our community, we are proud to see him take on this exciting new opportunity with the EFL in the Community. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Joe for his remarkable contribution and wish him every success for the future.
“The process of finding his successor is already underway, and we will be advertising the role shortly to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for the Foundation.”
