Epilepsy Action chief executive, Philip Lee, has stepped down after more than 37 years at the organisation.
Lee has led the organisation as its chief executive for more than 29 years. He left the organisation on Friday 29 November. Rebekah Smith has stepped in as interim chief executive.
In a departing message, also posted to members on Facebook, Lee said: “After more than 37 years working for Epilepsy Action (British Epilepsy Association), and being the charity’s chief executive for the past 29 years, it is time for me and the charity to move on to other things.
“Over so many years I have had the great fortune to know and work with thousands of truly wonderful, dedicated and inspiring people – be they staff, members, volunteers or trustees. Too many to name you all but you will know who you are, and to each and every one of you, I would like to say thank you for being such an essential and worthwhile part of my life. Together we have done amazing things.
“For me personally, it has always been a privilege to have been entrusted with the leadership of such a valuable and important organisation. I will always be proud of what the charity has achieved during my time and the contribution I have been able to make to improve the lives of people with epilepsy and their families.
“I take with me warm memories that will stay with me forever and I leave behind my very best wishes for the charity’s future success.”
Tireless dedication
Chair of Epilepsy Action’s board of trustees, Jane Riley said: “After a highly successful first year of our strategy and as we progress with this new direction, Phil has decided that now is an ideal time for him to move on to a new personal challenge and pass the leadership on for the next phase of our journey.
“I want to thank Phil for his tireless dedication and long service at Epilepsy Action and to wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.”
Ian Walker, a member of the Epilepsy Action board of trustees also resigned from his post in November. Walker was a trustee for 15 years, serving as chair during that time.
Riley said: “Ian has been a pleasure to work alongside. He is well known for his sound knowledge, his commitment to Epilepsy Action, great enthusiasm to support those affected by epilepsy and his general good humour. On behalf of the trustees, we thank him very much for his relentless support and wish him well for the future.”
Epilepsy Action unveiled its new six-year strategy in 2024, to create a world without limits for people with epilepsy.
By 2030, the charity wants to improve the lives of all people with epilepsy in the UK, for everyone to know what epilepsy is and to be fully inclusive.
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