A Bedfordshire-based communities charity has appointed its deputy chief executive, Cliff Andrews, to lead the organisation. 

Andrews will take up the chief executive role at Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity on 1 June, after six years as part of the charity’s leadership team.

He succeeds Tracy Cowan, who has been at the charity’s helm since 2018 but is leaving to become chief operating officer of the education provider The Bedford College Group.

Andrews has worked at Beds RCC for 20 years, having begun working in Bedfordshire in 1997 on a volunteer placement with the Ivel Valley Countryside Project, later becoming a countryside team leader there.

The project became part of Beds RCC in 2004 and Andrews took on increasingly responsible roles over the years, the charity said.

In 2015, he was appointed as the charity’s head of supporting communities, before taking on the deputy chief executive post in 2020.

The charity said the appointment of Andrews “reflects not only his deep understanding of our mission and values, but also the respect and admiration he has earned across the organisation and beyond”.

Andrews said: “Since joining the charity in 2004 I have worked in a number of roles and have first-hand experience of the great enthusiasm and commitment that our staff, volunteers and partners show in serving our communities. 

“I am fully committed to our mission of building, connecting and serving communities who care for each other’s wellbeing and the environment – and am proud to align myself to our values.”

Paula Grayson, chair of Beds RCC, said: “Trustees were determined to appoint a chief executive who embraces our values and will bring the Beds RCC strategic plan to life. 

“We are confident Cliff will ensure our future success in working closely with our stakeholders to deliver effective and efficient meaningful services to all our beneficiaries.”