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The British Dyslexia Association has appointed Ellen Broomé, former managing director of two Coram Group organisations, as its next chief executive.
Broomé will take up the top job at the BDA, which advocates for people with dyslexia and related learning difficulties, on 1 October.
She succeeds Chivonne Preston, who is stepping down after two years in post to spend more time with her family.
Broomé was most recently the managing director of two organisations under the Coram Group children’s charity umbrella: CoramBAAF, a membership organisation for professionals working in adoption, fostering and kinship care, and Coram Family and Childcare, which conducts research and provides programmes for UK families.
Before joining Coram Group in February 2021, Broomé was the director of children and families at the National Centre for Social Research for just over a year.
The BDA said Broomé has more than 15 years’ experience in leadership, service delivery, policy, research, communications and income generation, including positions at the Children’s Society, the National Autistic Society, the comms agency Hill & Knowlton, as a school governor, and in parliament as a researcher.
She is a trustee of Leukaemia UK and BookTrust and is a member of the National Institute for Health Research’s social care funding committee.
Broomé said: “I am passionate about creating a dyslexia-friendly society where everyone with dyslexia can fulfil their potential. With the attainment gap widening for children, a lack of support available and long waiting times for diagnosis, this can have detrimental impact on children’s lives.
“I am delighted to be joining the British Dyslexia Association at this critical time and I look forward to championing the dyslexia community and working with the new government to address these issues.”
Michelle Catterson, chair of the BDA, said: “Ellen impressed the board with her in-depth knowledge and passion for the sector. She has made a significant impact in previous organisations as a strategic leader and effective influencer and will bring relevant expertise and skills, and a strong beneficiary-led approach to the role.
“The board believes she has the combination of skills and experience to lead the charity through its next strategic phase.”