Melisha John has been named the sole chief executive of My Life My Say, after more than two years as co-leader.
The appointment comes after her former co-chief executive, Dan Lawes, left the youth voice and democracy charity this week.
Lawes had worked at the organisation for three years, two of them in the co-leadership role. He has become founding director of the campaign for youth wellbeing at the London School of Economics.
John becomes chief executive of My Life My Say after six years working for the charity.
She joined in August 2020 as head of operations, before becoming co-chief in July 2024.
John also worked part-time for Badu up until this month, a social impact organisation centred on sports and physical activity; community and placemaking; and mentoring and workforce development.
She worked at this organisation from May 2021, first as operations manager before becoming head of operations in August 2023.
John is also a trustee for the Hackney arts charity Rising Tide Trust, a role she has held since October 2023.
Speaking about her appointment as sole chief, John said: “There is something powerful about leading an organisation you know from the inside. I’ve experienced My Life My Say as both a supporter and an employee, and I’ve seen first-hand what makes it special, where we need to grow and the enormous potential ahead of us.
“My vision as CEO is to build on what makes MLMS exceptional while giving us the ambition and reach to make an even greater impact.
“I want to help make democratic spaces bigger, more accessible and more influential, while ensuring MLMS remains an organisation young people are proud to be part of.”
Joe Rich, chair of My Life My Say, added: “I’m so delighted to confirm Melisha as our new CEO. As our longest-serving staff member, there is no one who better understands the organisation or is better placed to lead the charity into its next exciting chapter.”
He also thanked Lawes for his “enormous contribution” to the charity and wished him success in his new role, adding: “I want to thank him for his leadership, commitment and dedication during his time at My Life My Say.”