Living Options Devon CEO moving on after 17 years

Living Options Devon Chief Executive Officer Diana Crump will be retiring from the Charity at the end of April. 

Andrew Barge, Chair of Trustees said: ”Diana’s skill and commitment to Living Options over the past 17 years have been critical in creating the effective and sustainable organisation that exists today”.  

The Charity’s current Deputy CEO, Stephanie Lewis has been appointed to take over as CEO from May 2023.

Diana, 60 has overseen significant increases in the charity’s profile and reach over the past seventeen years. Last year Living Options Devon supported over 10,000 disabled and Deaf people and their families / carers. The charity offers a wide range of services including advocacy, a community help-line, The Countryside Mobility Scheme, Deaf Led services, victim support services and disability and Deaf awareness training.

Diana said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of my time with Living Options Devon. 

Whilst I shall be sorry to leave, I feel the time is right, both for me and the Charity to move to a new chapter. I am proud to be leaving in the knowledge that Living Options Devon will continue to grow and support those people who need its help and expertise, now more than ever before.

I am delighted that Stephanie will be continuing to take the charity’s aspirations forward with our committed Board, staff and volunteers”.

Susan Fallon, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee said: “Diana will be truly missed, and the trustees are exceedingly grateful for her contribution to the Living Options Devon mission enabling disabled and Deaf people live the life they choose.  

The trustees are very excited about the new chapter in Living Option Devon’s development and know that with Stephanie’s leadership the charity and its aims are in safe hands and will continue to be at the forefront of creating equality for disabled and Deaf people”.

Stephanie joined Living Options in April 2022 as an experienced senior leader with a strong background in local government policy, governance and democratic processes. She is passionate about community engagement, understanding user experience, delivering evidence-based services that benefit the community, and is excited to continue working with our incredible staff, service-users and volunteers to lead the organisation and champion the needs of disabled and Deaf people.