New College year brings new CEO and new Principal to National Star College

As the National Star College starts a new year, not only are new students starting and new buildings going up but a new Chief Executive and a new Principal are now in position.

David Ellis started at National Star College as Chief Executive at the end of August, taking over from Helen Sexton, who held the combined role of Chief Executive and Principal.

David has worked in the voluntary sector for 26 years, both overseas and in the UK, during which time he gained valuable experience working in the disability field with a number of charities that were focusing on the development of technology to improve individuals’ communications and control of their environment.

From 2001 to 2006 David was Chief Executive for CLIC – Cancer & Leukaemia in Childhood, based in Bristol, during which time he merged CLIC with its sister charity Sargent Cancer Care for Children after which he earned the appointment as CEO for the merged charity. Other charities that David has worked for in the past have included Guide Dogs for the Blind, The National Trust and the British Red Cross.

David Ellis, Chief Executive at National Star College said,

“I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance to lead such a wonderful charity. I realised that the College had a fantastic reputation before I came to visit, but as soon as I walked onto the campus I could tell what a truly special place it really is. All of the staff and students are rightly very proud of what they have here and I hope that over the coming years that I am able to build on the work that the previous Chief Executive and her team have done, in order to take the charity forward, onto the next stage of its’ development”.

At the helm alongside David is Kathryn Rudd, who has taken over as Principal, the other part of the previously combined role.  Kathryn has been at the National Star College for ten years, starting as Director of Programmes before becoming Vice Principal and then Deputy Principal in 2006.  Kathryn is also a Director of the National Association of Specialist Colleges and Council Member/Trustee for Skill (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities).

Kathryn Rudd said,

“I have had the privilege of working at the college for the past 10 years and seeing it transformed into the rich, vibrant community it is today.  We have a great staff team and our exciting new build will provide much needed work and independence opportunities for our students.  I am thrilled to have been appointed as Principal and have the opportunity of leading this fantastic college into the next exciting chapter of its development.”

David and Kathryn will be working together closely to manage the organisation, with Kathryn focusing on the work of the College whilst David takes on the challenge of developing the broader charity.