Preston North End Community and Education Trust has promoted its current senior management team of Tom Drake and Harriet Creighton-Levis to the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer following a highly successful year for the club’s official charity in 2020.
It is the first time in the charity’s history that a Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer have been appointed by the Trust.
Tom first joined PNECET as the Assistant Head of Community in July 2018 before moving into the role of Head of Community later the following year.
Harriet joined the Trust in July 2016 and has since progressed into the roles of Head of Education and Health, and most recently Assistant Head of Community.
Tom and Harriet were first promoted to their senior management roles in November 2019. They have since shaped the future direction of the Trust with the launch of an innovative and forward-thinking three-year strategy that aims to build a safer, stronger and more resilient community, by utilising the power and appeal of Preston North End and football as a whole.
Under the stewardship of Tom and Harriet, the Trust won the North West Football Awards’ ‘Community Club of the Season – All Other Leagues’ prize for 2019/20 season, receiving the award for the first time and being recognised for its ‘creative and innovative’ approach.
PNECET Chair of Trustees and Preston North End Football Club Finance Director Kevin Abbott said: “The Board of Trustees unanimously felt that the time was right to make this change following the continued development of the Trust under Tom and Harriet’s guidance for the past year or so.
“Both the Board of Trustees and the senior management team of the football club are very proud of the work that the Trust delivers in the local community, particularly the support that has been provided throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The promotions of Tom and Harriet into these newly created roles demonstrates our confidence in their ability to continue to drive the Trust forward and help it to thrive.”
Tom Drake added: “I am proud to be continuing to lead Preston North End Community and Education Trust in the new role of Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. We want to ensure that we are a thriving organisation that the club, our staff and our community can be proud of.
“There’s a great sense of satisfaction from doing good things in the community; our work can really change people’s lives.
“We are excited to continue to engage with the Preston community through our provision in the coming years, and feel confident of continued success in the future with the support of our fantastic team.”
Harriet Creighton-Levis added: “After almost five years with the Trust, I am delighted to be continuing to represent PNECET in the new role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Trust.
“Through the power of the Preston North End brand, we have created a holistic service for those living in Preston. The support we have provided throughout the Coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the impact and responsibility that Preston North End has within the local area.
“I am proud of the direction in which is the Trust is heading and there is plenty more still to come!”
For more information about the work of Preston North End Community and Education Trust and getting involved, please email community@pne.com.