u3a Announces It's New CEO

Iain Cassidy has been announced as the new CEO of the Third Age Trust.

Iain joins the Trust from a role as CEO of Open Age, a London based charity that champions an active life for older people. With a background in fundraising, and experience of leading charitable organisations through times of change, Iain is motivated by the deeply held belief that everyone should be afforded the same opportunities in life.

Iain replaces Sam Mauger who has been in post for the last 8 years. Reflecting on her time with the Trust Sam said “Together with u3as, the amazing staff team and the inspiring volunteers and the board, I have been on an incredible journey since 2016.”

Sam continued “The movement is filled with people with vigour, ideas and a desire to enjoy every moment of their time and it has been a joy to work with them. I am pleased to hand over the role as CEO to Iain Cassidy, from the AGM in October. I know Iain will bring his energy and enthusiasm to the Trust in the next stage of the movement's journey.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Liz Thackray added:
"Sam has made a huge contribution to the both the Trust and the u3a movement over the past 8 years – and we all recognise she will be a hard act to follow. While wishing her all the very best for whatever lies ahead for her, I want to offer a warm welcome to Iain as our new CEO. Iain brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the voluntary sector and commitment to working with volunteers. I am sure we will all offer him every support as he takes up this new role at a time of change."

Of his appointment Iain said: "I’m really excited to be joining the Third Age Trust and the wider u3a movement. I know the impact that individual u3as have for their members, and I feel privileged to have this opportunity to feed into the amazing work you do."

He continued "I will work hard, for and with, the amazing volunteers who give up their time to run the over 1000 u3as in the UK. I will be a strong advocate for our members, raising our profile within the positive ageing movement, and growing our membership, so that many more people can come together and learn new things and have fun - now and well into the future.”

From 18 October 2024 the Board of Trustees for the Third Age Trust will also have a new Chair. Allan Walmsley, the current Vice Chair, has been elected to this role.