Abernethy Trust appoints new chief executive officer
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THE board of directors at Abernethy Trust have appointed the new chief executive officer.
Mike Causey will join the team in the summer, to allow for some overlap and handover with current CEO, Phil Simpson, who has been with the Trust for 36 years, eight of them at the helm.
The Causeys will be moving from Tianjin, China, where they have lived since 2015, to be based at the Trust’s HQ in Nethy Bridge.
He will bring experience of the education sector, outdoor learning, risk management, discipleship and church planting.
The new boss said: “Being brought up in the Lake District in small villages and towns, and learning my winter climbing skills in the Cairngorms, means that the prospect of living in the Scottish Highlands is genuinely one of excitement.
“With my wife – from rural Herefordshire – and four children, I have been picturing our explorations of the hills, picnics in the forests, and embracing the Nethy Bridge village community that we have begun to observe with joy.
“As a coffee enthusiast, the early discovery of an excellent cafe in the village was the icing on the cake!”
During his time in China, Mr Causey worked as Director of Leadership Formation for the international education consortium, LDi.
One aspect of his work in China was leading an experiential education centre in the mountains, northeast of Beijing near the Great Wall, to provide a safe and secure space for the Christian message.
“Through high ropes, climbing, camping, games, sports, and teaching, to both corporate and educational groups, visitors were able to sense the wonder of creation,” he said.
Dr Hamish Dougall, chairman of the Abernethy Board said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number and quality of the applications that were received for the CEO post. These were eventually narrowed down to four superb final candidates who the board spent a good deal of time with.
“Eventually, and after much prayerful consideration, the board came to the unified view that Mike should be offered the role of next CEO.”
Outgoing CEO, Phil Simpson, announced his retirement following his wife’s Rosemary’s retirement after 35 years.
More info at www.abernethy.org.uk/about-us
