Jami today announced the appointment of Adam Dawson as Chair of its Board of Trustees. He replaces Doug Krikler who has stepped down after six years as Chair.
Dawson’s career as a barrister has been focused on personal injury and clinical negligence as a result of medical trauma, and consequently the impact of mental health and wellbeing on rehabilitation. He also brings with him significant experience across the political and religious spectrum in the Jewish community.
A former chair of UJS, vice chair of the London Jewish Forum and member of the Board of Deputies he went on to found (and continued as Chair of Governors) the first ‘Free School’ in the UK. His experience of navigating central government, local authorities and the Jewish community, plus his current trustee role at Jewish Care, ideally positions him to lead Jami’s board.
“I am delighted to be joining at such an important time for mental health,” said Dawson. “I am passionate about mental health advocacy and this, together with my history of communal work, has led to my interest in Jami – the community’s ‘go to’ organisation for mental health.
“That our community has an incredible resource in Jami, is fantastic, but as demand grows and communal fundraising becomes an ever-greater challenge, combined with a lack of statutory service provision in mental health, the strategic and practical needs for Jami are significant. I look forward to working with the great team at Jami to continue to improve all aspects of mental health in our community.”
Laurie Rackind, Jami Chief Executive, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Adam as our new Chair. He brings with him a wealth of experience, as well as a passion for and commitment to mental health that will be enormously valuable to Jami.
“Mental health is high on everyone’s agenda and there has been a welcome increase in public awareness, resulting in an increasing demand for our services. Our aim is to ensure Jami continues to evolve to meet that demand.
“Adam’s understanding of mental health and strong empathy with our values, will bring invaluable experience and expertise to help us to continue to develop our innovative services and transform the communal landscape for mental health.”
Outgoing Chair, Doug Krikler, said, “I am delighted to be handing on the Jami baton to Adam, who I have no doubt will make an excellent Chair. Adam will bring his passion and experience to offer fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the Board, at a time when Jami is well placed to build on its strong foundations to meet the growing needs of our community.
“It has been a privilege to work with the professional and lay teams at Jami, and I am confident that under Adam’s leadership the organisation will go from strength to strength.”
Jami’s recent work with JVN and Lead using their Board Building Framework, led to a comprehensive process to recruit a new Chair culminating in the unanimous decision of an interview panel to select Adam. The process now continues with the recruitment of new trustees to the Board.
