Community Chest chief executive stepping down
COMMUNITY Chest chief executive Lorenzo Davids has resigned from his position.
Davids said he knew in October last year it was time to step aside and allow fresh minds to take over. His last day will be on March 31.
Davids has been selflessly and ardently serving as chief executive since he joined Community Chest in March 2013.
He has spent more than 30 years in the development, NGO/NPO and social justice arena, and is a highly-regarded thought leader and speaker.
He is a founding board member of The Big Issue and Christel House South Africa, and served on boards including Beth Uriel, Media Village, The City Mission World Association, Viva Network, Beautiful Gate SA, The Carpenter’s Shop, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, and Community Chest.
Davids worked with local and provincial governments, and served on development agencies boards in the UK, US and Australia.
“I believe my leadership was a small contribution to the overall success and work of Community Chest. I served with a passionate and dedicated team that was always willing to go the extra mile.
“I learnt so much from them. In October 2020, I had a clear sense that my leadership had reached its sell-by date and that fresh, innovative minds were needed to take the organisation much further forward. I am deeply grateful for the lessons I learnt while leading Community Chest.
“I have no ‘next’ I’m going to. I’m simply making room for others to lead. I’m taking some time to consider where next I can make a contribution towards building a better world. Preserving democracy, serving justice and building financial resources to fund innovative solutions remain my core interests,” he said.
Chief operations officer Susan Thevar will manage the work of Community Chest until a chief executive is appointed.