Rhona Shepherd will take on the role from September.
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has appointed Rhona Shepherd as the new chair of its board of directors, succeeding Lindsay Gardiner who steps down from the role this September.
Rhona joins ECHC with an impressive background in performance coaching and elite sports management at the highest levels.
As a founder and chief people officer of Red Sky Management, she has spent the past two decades supporting and coaching directors, CEOs and senior leadership teams across a range of leading businesses.
As well as exceptional business acumen and in-depth experience of strategic development, Rhona is passionate about supporting children and young people and making a positive difference to their healthcare.
She takes on this important role as ECHC enters its new strategic cycle, aiming to support the mental health and wellbeing of even more children visiting Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the charity’s mental health service, The Haven, in East Lothian.
Rhona said: “I’m passionate about supporting and caring for young people at the most difficult of times, so am honoured to take on the role of chair at ECHC. Lindsay has set a remarkable standard, and I am committed to continuing his legacy with drive and compassion.
“Together with the dedicated ECHC team, I look forward to advancing their mission to bring ‘more than medicine’ to every child and young person who comes to the hospital and visits The Haven.”
Outgoing chair Lindsay Gardiner said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of ECHC and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past nine years. Rhona is an excellent appointment, and her expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly steer the charity towards even greater heights.”
Rhona will take over from Lindsay in September 2024.
ECHC CEO Roslyn Neely added: “We are thrilled to welcome Rhona Shepherd as our new chair. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding us through the next phase of ECHC's growth. We also extend our sincere thanks to Lindsay Gardiner who has expertly directed us through the last nine years. His unwavering dedication has made a profound impact on so many young lives.”
