Eaves thanks Chief Executive, Denise Marshall, after 15 years of inspiring leadership

It is with some sadness that Eaves announces that Denise Marshall, Chief Executive of Eaves is stepping down as CEO although we are pleased to say she will remain closely involved as an Eaves’ Ambassador.

Denise was appointed as CEO to Eaves in 17/01/2000. Those of you who know her will know that she is a towering figure – brimming over with charisma, passion, fun and fury all at once. This dynamism makes her a visionary and inspiring leader for Eaves and saw the creation of a whole range of innovative, unique projects reaching out to extremely marginalised and excluded women suffering discrimination and abuse on a grand scale. A key example was the establishment of The Poppy Project for women victims of trafficking – at that time, 2002, the only specialist, dedicated service for this group of women. Poppy continues to go from strength to strength today despite the increasingly difficult climate. Indeed some may recall her rage at the decimation of women’s services such that she returned her OBE in 2011, saying she had been awarded it for quality services to women but she was no longer able to provide that in this climate.

Her motivation has always been to respect, honour and support the women that come through our doors, to ensure the best possible services for them and the best possible advocacy to improve policy and practice. Her approach insists upon recognition for the individuality, resilience, strength, courage and dignity of every woman. Eaves’ staff and trustees thank her for her work and her attitude; it has been inspiring, challenging, eye-opening and exciting working with her and we look forward to continuing to do so albeit in a different way.