Changes on the Active Devon Board as Jim Nye Retires

The Active Devon Board and staff say a fond farewell to the Chair, Jim Nye, who stepped down from the Board after nine years of involvement.

Jim joined Active Devon as a Board Member in 2014. The combination of his valuable insight and infectious enthusiasm meant he gave a tremendous contribution to the Board and to their work. He became Chair in 2019 and, as well as providing the crucial leadership to guide the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic, he oversaw the development and early implementation of the Devon Moving Together strategy.

The Board has appointed Andy Martin, the current Vice Chair, as its interim Chair. Andy has an extensive career record of senior leadership roles in the sport sector and is currently a National Development Manager with the Football Association. He has been a Board Member since 2017, so has a working knowledge of the organisation. This will enable him to bring critical leadership and continuity to the role.

A recruitment campaign to appoint new Board Members, including filling the vacant Chair role, is now live. You can find out more about becoming a Board Member by reading through the Board Members and Chair recruitment information.

Commenting on the change in the Board’s leadership Matt Evans, Active Devon CEO, said:

“I cannot thank Jim enough for the energy and contribution he has bought to Active Devon. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with him and learning from him, especially in the last few years as Chair. Under his leadership the Board has gone from strength to strength, and we will really miss his contribution at meetings.

Whilst wishing Jim the very best for his retirement, I am delighted that Andy has been appointed as interim Chair. He is a proven senior leader who knows the sector well and has many connections and networks nationally. I am certain that he will continue to ensure that the Board sets ambitious and challenging aspirations for Active Devon. I and the whole team are really looking forward to working with him in his new role.”

Andy takes up the appointment with immediate effect, commenting:

“It’s a huge honour to be appointed as interim Chair for Active Devon at this exciting time. I look forward to continuing Jim’s fantastic work and supporting the Board and Active Devon staff as we continue our drive to enable everyone in Devon to be active for life.”

Outgoing Chair Jim Nye, said:

“I have been involved with Active Devon for nine years and am really pleased to have worked with a brilliant Board over the years and a fantastic leadership team. We have made great strides to support our communities across Devon, whether coastal, urban or rural, to be more active and healthier, and I’m really proud of where we are today.”