Laura Alexander has been appointed chief executive of St John's Foundation, Bath's oldest charity, as it prepares to expand its work across the city. She takes the helm just 19 months after her predecessor, Catharine Brown, assumed the role.
A new leader with a track record of strategic growth
Ms Alexander joined the charity in 2023 to lead its commercial arm, St John's Hospital Trading Company. She was later appointed director of operations, where she spearheaded a more strategic approach to the charity's extensive property portfolio.
Her promotion comes at a time when St John's is preparing to create new almshouses in the centre of Bath and invest in existing homes, with the aim of providing more safe, secure and affordable accommodation to older people.
An 850-year legacy meeting modern challenges
St John's Foundation is more than 850 years old. It works with housing and outreach services to help older adults in financial need to live independently for longer. It also runs a grants programme supporting individuals and families who have reached financial crisis across Bath and North East Somerset.
"Over [the last] three years, I have had the opportunity to work with some truly brilliant teams and to see first-hand the very real, human impact their work has on our residents and the wider community," said Ms Alexander.
Building on heritage with a forward-looking vision
"We're at an important point for St John's. With an ageing population and increasing pressure on affordable housing, the need for what we do is growing," she added.
"For me, the opportunity now is to build on that incredible heritage while being forward-thinking and ambitious about the role St John's can play in the future. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I'm incredibly excited about what we can achieve together."
Trustees back Alexander to lead 'next chapter'
The board of trustees said Ms Alexander's promotion comes at "an important point in the charity's development." In a statement, the board said: "Over the last three years, we have seen first-hand the enormous contribution Laura has made to both St John's Foundation and our trading company. Laura brings a clear vision for where St John's needs to go next while understanding and respecting what makes the organisation so special. We are delighted to appoint her to lead St John's into its next chapter."
Ms Alexander's appointment signals continuity in leadership as the charity embarks on its planned expansion of housing stock and services for older residents in Bath.
