Heritage organisation appoints new Chair
The Historic Towns Forum (HTF) announced the appointment of Debbie Dance as their new Chairman at last week’s Annual General Meeting held at Chichester.
This appointment marks a major move forward for the HTF. Debbie Dance, who is widely recognised for her part in the £40m Oxford Castle project in her role as Director of the Oxford Preservation Trust, brings to the organisation a wide range of skills and a broad perspective on the management of historic towns. A commercial property surveyor by profession, Debbie has been involved in conservation for many years and has led a number of successful projects most notably in Birmingham and Oxford. Debbie is a champion for heritage and education in Oxford and holds a range of national and local appointments relating to the built heritage.
Outgoing Chair, Sam Howes (Deputy Chief Executive at Chichester District Council) welcomed Debbie and said that she had impressed the appointment panel with her enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the role of Chair and the work of the Forum. “In short, Debbie will provide the HTF with strong leadership and new ideas which can only be of substantial benefit especially during these challenging economic times,” he stated.
Director, Chris Winter, said that she was very impressed by Debbie’s work and her holistic approach to historic towns and was looking forward to working with her. “The HTF”, she added, “was not alone in feeling the impact of the recession but she was confident that with continuing support and strong leadership the organisation would continue to develop and offer guidance and advocacy on all aspects of managing the historic built environment.”
Introducing herself to the HTF Members at the AGM Debbie said “I am delighted to be taking on this role at HTF. Bringing together the skills I have in working across the commercial and charity sectors and combining this with the strong local authority links at HTF will make a powerful force. HTF is unique in giving opportunity to those of us involved in historic towns to share our experiences and to give this group a voice. I look forward to making my contribution to this.” [Link]
