New CEO for Cardiff & the Vale

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale have welcomed their new CEO, Maxine Johnson, who started on the 27^th February 2024. Maxine replaces the charity’s stalwart leader, Jeff Hawkins, as he has retired after 37 years loyal service.

Speaking of her new role, Maxine commented “I am so humbled and excited to be appointed as CEO for such a vital and trusted local charity. I am passionate about reducing loneliness and isolation amongst older people and understand how this can affect people’s mental and physical health, reducing quality of life dramatically. I am committed to continuing and developing the amazing work that Jeff and the team have achieved over all these years and building on this success moving forward.”

Prior to this appointment, Maxine had been working as Head of Wales at Cruse Bereavement Support for the last three years involved in the provision of compassionate and professional support to people who are grieving. She has 20 years of working in the third sector including a Team Leader position at Barnardo’s, where she oversaw the delivery of services for children and families affected by abuse, neglect, and trauma.

 Outside of work, Maxine enjoys spending time with family and her grandchildren and being in the great outdoors. She is an ardent water safety campaigner after the tragic loss of her son 17 years ago, aged 15, to cold water shock in a reservoir. These life experiences along with caring for older vulnerable family members have shaped her resolution to make a difference to people’s life’s.

Commenting on his successor, Jeff Hawkins said “I am in no doubt that Maxine will be a positive and formidable addition to the Age Connects team. After all my years leading the charity, I feel it will be in safe hands and the vital services and support we offer to older people in need living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan will continue to go from strength to strength.