Off to a flying start!

Karen Jefford talks about her journey so far as the new Chief Executive of Building Heroes and her upcoming skydiving event to celebrate the new role. 

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And so to the new chapter of Building Heroes. I am honoured to have been appointed as the Chief Executive to lead a fabulous charity and team. Though I do hope this will not be a short-lived appointment due to my madness in agreeing to jump from 13,500ft! Having committed to skydive to raise funds for Building Heroes on March 24^th, there really is never a dull day in this role…and who said fundraising had to be boring!?  When I am safely on the ground again, I promise to get on with the day job!  

On the 1st of January 2023 it was new year, new beginnings, and that was certainly true for me as the new Chief Executive of Building Heroes and I couldn’t be prouder. If the truth be told, the late Queen Elizabeth was my inspiration to take the helm. She was devoted to service, provided a sense of stability, and strived for success. I feel the same passion towards the charity and to continue Brendan Williams, our founder's legacy and if that means I must parachute myself into the role, then so be it!

Having worked for the charity for four years I have delivered and covered every role that takes place within Building Heroes. I have experienced so many highs, worked through challenges, and embraced the workings of the day-to-day operation. I totally understand and value the role that each of our team plays.

I believe the best work happens when you carry out meaningful work. Recognition of that work came when we received the Queens Award for Enterprise further acknowledging the value of the work we do. We have the power to improve peoples’ lives, and how proud am I to be a leader of an organisation that can do just that.

Two months in and 2023 is off to a flying start, both literally and figuratively, taking on new challenges and working to expand the charity’s reach; introducing new courses, new locations, and expanding our network to support the demand of our services. With a team filled with passion and determination there is no doubt that Building Heroes will continue to soar to even greater heights, just don’t forget to sponsor my madness, and wish me luck on the jump down, so we can continue to support the fabulous work our charity provides for our military community and that of the construction industry.  

For now, I’m flying high on the elation of my appointment.  

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Support Karen by donating below.

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