“It has been my great privilege and good fortune to lead such an important and impactful charity for more than a decade"
One of the best known and most influential leaders in Scotland’s third sector has announced her retirement from Aberlour Children’s Charity.
SallyAnn Kelly, its chief executive, will stand down later this year after eleven years leading the organisation.
She said: “It has been my great privilege and good fortune to lead such an important and impactful charity for more than a decade.
“I feel very lucky to have worked alongside such a skilled team committed to helping Scotland’s children thrive.”
SallyAnn, who was awarded an OBE in 2022 for her services to children and families, added: “The lives of far too many young Scots remain constricted by poverty and I am proud Aberlour has helped so many towards a brighter future.
“This is the right time for me to step back but this charity’s life-changing work and commitment to raising the voice of children has never felt more needed or more important.”
Aberlour has doubled in size during her leadership, while establishing a reputation for excellence and innovation in a range of services supporting disadvantaged children and families across Scotland.
Her expertise and leadership on issues, ranging from the rights of children to improving the lives of care-experienced young Scots, has also been acclaimed for its insight and influence.
Responding to SallyAnn's decision to retire in December at the end of the charity’s 150th anniversary year, David Robb, chair of Aberlour, hailed her “extraordinary leadership” and committed campaigning to reducing inequality and easing the impact of child poverty.
He said: “SallyAnn has led with courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and giving a voice to their families. They could not have had a better champion.
“She has been relentless in her efforts to ease the impact of child poverty, committed to speaking up for those who too often go unheard, and tireless in her work to achieve what was once thought unachievable.
“SallyAnn’s impact on this charity and the national conversation has been profound and will leave a lasting legacy of hope, passion, and purpose.”
