Barbara Bridger says she is excited to take on a new role as the Central Lakes Trust chief executive later this year.

Since 2014 Barbara has been in the top job at another prominent charity - the Otago Community Trust - and she has a background in the banking and financial services sector.

“I am very much looking forward to my new role at CLT and to having the opportunity to better understand the community’s needs and aspirations and to help CLT respond to those needs as it continues to enhance assets and enrich lives within the Central Lakes region,” Barbara said.

The CLT is a charitable trust that grants funds for charitable purposes across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. 

Its previous chief executive, Susan Finlay, stepped down in October 2022.

CLT chair Linda Robertson said Barbara was appointed as CEO after a recruitment process which began in November and was supported by external advisers.

“The board are delighted with this outcome and look forward to Barbara joining the trust in early April,” Linda said.

“She brings a wealth of experience in the philanthropic, management and investment space and is already well known to many within the Central Lakes region through her current role.”

CLT was bestowed its asset base in 2000 by the Otago Central Electric Power Trust and, in the time since it has grown it from $155M to $467.

It provides regular, monthly grants to worthy causes across the region.

Many of these grants benefit Wānaka - a recent funding round included $157,500 operational grant to Community Networks Wānaka; $23,144 for Challenge Wānaka’s junior triathlon festival; $5,000 for the Secondary Schools Sports Association; and $42,582 for Mount Aspiring College for the implementation of the Central Otago Principals Association programme.

Learn more about CLT here.

PHOTO: Supplied