24 We would like to thank KimRowe for her three years of outstanding service as BEST’s Chief Financial Officer, and wish her all the very best for her retirement at the end of September. Under Kim’s leadership, financial sustainability has been secured. She has expertly supported Principals and Nursery Managers to overcome challenges faced and brought great understanding to financial procedures and reporting across BEST’s schools, subsidiaries and charity. Dr Alan Lee, CEO, shared that: “Kim deeply cares about our BEST community and has offered an inspirational model of leadership rooted in service. It has been a privilege to work alongside Kim. She is both a colleague and friend, who will always have my utmost respect and gratitude”. Reflecting on her time at BEST, Kim said, “It has been the most rewarding of my career. It has been a genuine privilege to work with such an amazing and committed team. There is something very special about the culture at BEST. Stephen Walker joins BEST as our new CFO from September, bringing with him extensive experience in financial leadership. He will play a key role in helping to ensure we continue to improve outcomes for all children at BEST; “I am looking forward to joining BEST as the Chief Financial Officer, I already have a real appreciation of its values, ambitions and the positive difference it makes to children, young people and our local communities. I am excited by the opportunity to use my experience and understanding to support schools within my own community”. CFO Update: Farewell to Kim Rowe & Welcome to Stephen Walker As a member of the Central Services Team, Stephen will be based at BEST House in Shefford, leading the finance function. “It has been the most rewarding of my career. It has been a genuine privilege to work with such an amazing and committed team. There is something very special about the culture at BEST.” Kim Rowe
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