New chief executive appointed to Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Social housing - Image credit: lydiashiningbrightly via Flickr

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA has appointed a new chief executive. 

New chief executive Sally Thomas is currently head of community investment at North Star Housing Group in the north east of England.

Fromm 2016 to April 2017 she was seconded to the Housing Associations Charitable Trust (HACT), where she had the role of director of communities, with responsibility for the development and delivery of the community investment and social purpose programmes.

Thomas also spent 18 years as director of a consultancy specialising in the social and economic aspects of regeneration and renewal.

Earlier in her careers she was assistant director for Tyne and Wear Development Corporation and before that worked for several housing associations in London and became senior operations officer for the Homes and Communities Agency in 1986.

Thomas will take over from current SFHA chief executive Mary Taylor, who will retire on 23 June after nearly seven years leading the federation.

Thomas is expected to start her role with the SFHA during the latter half of July.

Taylor said: “Although I am sad to be leaving the SFHA, I am delighted that the federation has secured such a high quality candidate.

“I am confident that, in Sally, the SFHA will go from strength to strength.

“There are many exciting opportunities ahead for Sally. I look forward to a smooth hand-over period.

“I wish Sally, SFHA colleagues and board, and our members every success for the future.”

Sally Thomas said: “I am delighted to be taking up this role at such an interesting and challenging time.

“I have long been an admirer of the work of the housing association sector in Scotland, and it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the federation at a time when our work has never been more relevant and important.

“I look forward to meeting SFHA members and other stakeholders at an early stage, and working closely with the SFHA board and staff to ensure our work and values are firmly placed at the heart of Scottish society.”