We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Russ as our Interim CEO, taking up the role on 1st April 2021.
Current CEO, Pete Shilton Godwin, is moving on, and so, in the interests of continuity and stability, as we continue to navigate our way through COVID-19 and implement our new organisation strategy, the board have chosen Jon to take up the reins.
Pete started work for UCLan Students’ Union in 2006, having previously worked at University of Bradford and St. Martin’s College Students’ Unions, the National Union of Students (NUS) and was President of Leeds Metropolitan Students’ Union. His decades of service to the student movement have positively impacted the lives of many students, staff and elected student officers. This commitment was recognised by the NUS Simpson/King award in 2017. After 15 years leading UCLan Students’ Union, Pete will be exploring new opportunities.
Jon Russ, who will become our Interim CEO, is a familiar face at UCLan. Having started life at the University as a Media Technology student, Jon joined the staff team at the Union’s Bar as a glass collector in November 1998. Jon moved to a full-time role as a Bar Team Leader in 2000 and since then has continued to progress through the organisation, including spending several years as the Union’s Director of Operations & Activities, successfully leading our commercial services and sports, societies and volunteering.
Zuleika Chikh, Students’ Union President said: “We’re really pleased to announce Jon as our Interim CEO. Jon’s been an integral part of the Union for many years now and in these challenging times it’s important for the Students’ Union to have stability as we continue to support students through the pandemic.”
Jon said: “I am honoured to be taking on the position of Interim CEO. As someone who is passionate about ensuring students at UCLan are able to achieve their goals, this role provides me with the opportunity to build on the work I have done with the Operations and Activities teams. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Current CEO, Pete reflected on his 15 years at UCLan Students’ Union.
“Working for the Students’ Union is to be part of a great collective effort with colleagues at UCLan, other Unions in the North West and friends at the National Union of Students (NUS). I’d like to thank the dedicated volunteers who make student life so vibrant, the Elected Officers who lead, the Trustees who support and our entire hardworking staff team. You’re all amazing and I will miss you.
The student movement in the UK is a national treasure. It’s been a pleasure and privilege to be part of it and lead such a great organisation.”
Pete will remain with us here at UCLan Students’ Union until July 2021 to complete some additional projects and support with the CEO handover process.