New Chairman takes the reins at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
Date Published: 01/09/2009
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority today announced the appointment of a new Chairman - Councillor Derrick Ashley.
Derrick has been a Member of Hertfordshire County Council since 1985 and is a long serving Cabinet Member with responsibility for environmental planning issues. He was appointed to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority in 2006. Originally from north London, Derrick has lived in Hitchin, Hertfordshire for the last 35 years.
Derrick said: “I am proud to be a part of this important phase of the Park’s development. As Chairman, I will lead initiatives to reach out to our many stakeholders and users and ensure that the whole of London, Essex and Hertfordshire see the key role that the Park plays in the region.”
“I’ll also make certain that we will maximise the benefits of the London 2012 venues which we will run in Legacy, ensuring the widest possible use of these outstanding sites. A major focus for us will be the opening of the White Water Canoe Centre in Spring 2011 – the first brand new Olympic venue to open before the Games.”
Derrick’s appointment comes as Members of the Authority have decided to change the governance and move towards an Executive Committee Structure which will lead the Authority’s decision making.
“I believe this new structure will allow us to operate in a swifter, more focussed manner, which is necessary for the Authority in this period of significant opportunity and challenges,” he said.
He replaces outgoing Chairman Elizabeth Webster who continues as a Member of the Authority.