International Disability Charity Motivation appoints new CEO - Amanda Wilkinson

After 25 years at the helm of Motivation, current CEO and Co-Founder Richard Frost, has decided to embark on a new adventure. He will be stepping down on the 31^st December. He leaves Motivation in a strong position, after guiding the charity alongside co-founder David Constantine MBE, who will remain with the charity to work alongside the new CEO – Amanda Wilkinson.

Amanda has built an impressive career within the charity sector over the last 20 years, and comes to Motivation with a wealth of relevant experience from holding a variety of senior leadership positions. Most recently she was interim Director of Fundraising & Communications at Whizz-Kidz.

As well as operating as an Independent Fundraising Consultant, Amanda comes to Motivation with experience gained in the international development field, having held posts at both Everychild and Sense International.

Amanda says that she is thrilled to be taking on the role of CEO at Motivation, commenting: “I believe I have the skills and vision to help the charity fulfil its potential and believe my considerable senior leadership experience in the sector, most of which has been in the field of international development and disability makes me uniquely qualified for the role.”

Further, while referencing Motivation’s design heritage and development positioning Amanda comments: “I am passionate about redressing the inequality of opportunities for disabled people. I am very excited about the potential for Motivation to grow its profile, influence and service provision as a pioneering international development agency embracing technology and design to make a sustainable change for mobility provision in the developing world.”

As a Trustee of Auditory Verbal UK, an award-winning charity for children who are profoundly deaf, Amanda also has strong experience of working alongside and maximising relationships with Boards of Trustees.

Richard Hawkes, who is Motivation’s Chair of Trustees, is delighted to be welcoming Amanda to the team and comments: “Amanda has the right combination of skills, experience and enthusiasm to lead Motivation forward as we head into our next 25 years! Not only does she possess the leadership and management skills that we require, but her background in fundraising and new business development will be invaluable as we seek to build a sustainable future for Motivation.”

Amanda will take up post in the New Year[1], and joins the international disability charity at a very exciting time. One of her first challenges will be to oversee an exciting new deal with the Government of India, which will see Motivation wheelchairs being manufactured in India, ensuring that thousands of disabled people receive appropriate mobility solutions.

[1] Amanda starts on 23^rd January 2017. Founding Director David Constantine MBE will act as interim CEO between 31^st December and 23^rd January.