Dorset Chamber has appointed the chief executive of YMCA Bournemouth to its board.
Gareth Sherwood joins as a non-executive director, as the business group looks to step up its representation of charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.
Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said Mr Sherwood, who has been working in Christian and charity services since 2007, would bring a “wealth of experience and knowledge” to the leadership team.
Mr Girling said: “As well as helping to steer the Dorset Chamber forward he will be able to represent the third sector and give key insights into its relationship with business.
“We have a dynamic and diverse board of directors who are all committed to the chamber’s mission to enable better lives through business. Business is a force for good, and Gareth’s appointment will further help us to drive the local economy with benefits for businesses, their employees and the wider Dorset community.”
Mr Sherwood said: “It is humbling to be given this opportunity to serve Dorset with the chamber. I will endeavour to help local businesses, charities and communities to thrive and be a force for good to all they reach.”
YMCA Bournemouth, based on Westover Road in the town centre, provides youth clubs, children’s centres, a pre-school, a child contact centre, sports and leisure facilities, training courses, youth work and a chaplaincy service.
Dorset Chamber said the charity was a longstanding member of the group, and many other firms it supports had supported YMCA Bournemouth’s annual Big Sleep Easy campaign, which has raised more than £200,000 since 2016 to raise awareness of local homelessness and fund local causes.
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