New director at the CMA

The Community Media Association is pleased to announce that Liza Kellett, former Chief Executive of Emmaus Leeds has been appointed as the organisation’s Director. She replaces Diane Reid who has taken up a new role working on charitable appeals and public service broadcasting policy at the BBC.

Liza’s first job was as a Radio Production Assistant at BBC Radio Leeds. She has worked in the third sector for fifteen years: as Head of Development at West Yorkshire Playhouse she was responsible for corporate external relations, fundraising and business development; and as Chief Executive of Emmaus Leeds, her brief was to raise the money, make it happen, make it healthy and make it sustainable. She achieved these objectives with the establishment of a Community for homeless people and the creation of a self-sustaining social enterprise.

Partnership-building, stakeholder development, business planning and management of complex funding were crucial to her leadership success. Her volunteering work has included being Chair of Governors at an inner-city primary school, Trustee of a Leeds-based black arts organization, and Director of a social enterprise support company.

Commenting on her new role Liza Kellett said: “Building on the successes of my predecessors Diane Reid and Steve Buckley will be an exciting and challenging responsibility. With an excellent staff team and CMA Council to work with, coupled with the commitment and determination of the members and supporters, I look forward to working with CMA members and representing their interests. Ensuring a better deal for community media is a key mission, alongside creating opportunities for the growth and sustainability of our sector in this era of rapid technological change.”

Phil Shepherd, Chair of the Community Media Association said: “I’m delighted that we have found such a dynamic Director at a time when the sector prepares to take on a range of new opportunities and challenges for the growth of Community Radio, Television and Internet projects across the UK. On behalf of our members I join with my fellow council members in welcoming Liza to the CMA family – we look forward to working with her to develop Community Media’s digital future.