New Executive Director for National Parks England
MEDIA RELEASE
Immediate release: Friday 28 July 2023
New Executive Director for National Parks England
National Parks England has appointed Jayne Butler as its new Executive Director to lead the work of the organisation. Jayne will join the association in October 2023, taking over from Hoda Gray.
Jayne joins National Parks England from Rape Crisis England & Wales, the membership body for Rape Crisis Centres, where she is currently Chief Executive and has led a transformational change in raising the profile and impact of the organisation. Jayne brings a wealth of experience building collaborative partnerships and influencing policy, as well as a history of working with representative bodies, having previously led development at Law Centres Network.
Jayne said: “I’m excited to be joining National Parks England at such an important time as we look to centre National Parks as pivotal in nature recovery and tackling the challenges of climate change. I have a history of working in organisations that have developed from movements of people striving to make change. This role at National Parks England is a great opportunity for me to bring together my skills and experience with a love for our National Parks, that I know so many people share, to transform and secure their role in our future.”
Neil Heseltine, Chair of National Parks England said “We’re delighted to welcome Jayne to National Parks England. National Parks are tremendous assets to the nation with enormous potential to make an even greater impact in addressing the nature and biodiversity crises that confront us. With a General Election on the horizon there has never been a more important opportunity to influence policy makers. As a family of National Parks we look forward to working with Jayne and harnessing her skills and experience to ensure our voice is heard”.
“I’d also like to thank Hoda Gray for the brilliant contribution she has made to National Parks England, leading and refocussing the organisation through a challenging period. We wish her all the best in her new life in the USA with her young family”.
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Notes to editors:
National Parks England is the collective voice for English National Park Authorities, helping them to achieve their purposes through influencing policy. It represents the views of Dartmoor, the New Forest, South Downs, Peak District, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Lake District National Parks.