Livability appoints new Chief Executive

Livability has appointed Michael Smith OBE as its new Chief Executive.

Michael Smith is currently Chief Executive of disability charity Enham and the Enabling Partnership which he joined in 1997.

His early career was spent in the Royal Air Force. He then went on to become a director for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees before working with several organisations that support and empower disabled people.

Baroness Howarth of Breckland OBE, Livability Chair said: ''We are extremely pleased to welcome Michael as our new Chief Executive. His wide-ranging experience of the charitable sector, and his knowledge of disability issues, will prove invaluable. I am sure he will make an outstanding contribution to our work at what is an exciting and challenging time for Livability and the sector as a whole.''

Michael Smith OBE said: ''I am delighted to have been appointed as Livabilitys new Chief Executive and look forward to meeting the challenges ahead. We are facing the biggest shake up in social care for a generation at a time when there is incredible pressure on public finances. I am passionate about disability issues and committed to continuing the charity's great work supporting and empowering disabled people and bringing life to local communities during this time of dramatic change.''

Michael Smith OBE is taking over from Mary Bishop who is stepping down after 8 years as the charity's Chief Executive. Mary Bishop led the charity through a dramatic period of change when John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society merged in June 2007 to form Livability.

Michael Smith is the first Chief Executive appointed by the charity under its new Livability name and brand.