Novas boss steps down
National social regeneration charity Novas Scarman, which operates a major centre in Liverpool, said Maria Donoghue-Mills is to leave her post as chief executive at the end of this month.
Novas opened the 170,000 sq ft Contemporary Urban Centre in spring 2008 in Liverpool's Baltic area off Parliament Street following extensive restoration of a Grade II-listed historic warehouse. The CUC contains exhibition space, business units, music studios, shops and cafes and has become a popular venue for business events.
Andrew Barnett, group chair, said: "Maria has played a leading role developing the Novas Scarman Group. She oversaw the merger in 2007 of Novas with the Scarman Trust and PATH National and, more recently, has been actively engaged in addressing a range of difficult aspects raised by the TSA inquiry of last year.
"We both believe the organisation is now emerging stronger and the new Board remains committed to ensuring Novas Scarman does the best possible job for disadvantaged people and communities now and in the future. The range and quality of our services and our strong staff team leave us well placed to deliver innovative provision that is both beneficial and cost-effective at a time when public investment will become scarcer."
In July 2009, the Tenant Services Authority said the Novas board and executive team had not exercised 'proper management of the financial affairs of NSG", leading to major financial difficulties at the charity. Novas Scarman said it accepted the findings.
Donoghue-Mills said: "I feel I have fully delivered the foundations for the future and after 15 years I'm ready for a new challenge.
"I'm leaving Novas Scarman in great hands; I have a good deputy and interim CEO in place, and a very long standing and experienced Senior Management Team."
She will be replaced by Susie Parsons, a management consultant and former chief executive of the Commission for Racial Equality.
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