Mind pays tribute to Executive Director of Fundraising, Kathleen Miles, after 24 years of service
Mind today announced the departure of Kathleen Miles, its Executive Director of Fundraising, after an extraordinary 24 years of service.
Kathleen’s leadership has shaped the scale and success of Mind’s fundraising like no other. During her time with us, she has helped to raise over £800 million, securing funding from marathons and community events through to pioneering multi-year partnerships with government, the National Lottery Community Fund, philanthropists, corporates and major trusts and foundations.
Kathleen established Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing function which helped change the conversation about mental health in the workplace, and she was instrumental in the creation and delivery of both Ecominds, a multi year ecotherapy grants programme, and Time to Change, one of the most influential anti-stigma campaigns in UK history
Under her direction, Mind’s annual fundraising portfolio grew to £36 million, powering life-changing programmes and services nationwide. Kathleen also led the charity’s Covid Appeal, which raised more than £20 million at a time when demand for mental health support was at its peak.
Throughout her tenure, Kathleen has led a directorate of 180 colleagues with vision, compassion, and integrity. She is widely respected across the sector for her strategic brilliance, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to Mind’s mission. Her background in coaching has further enhanced her reputation as a generous and empowering leader who brings out the best in others.
Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Mind, said:
“Kathleen’s contribution to Mind and to the wider mental health movement has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her leadership has supercharged our ability to change lives, expand our reach, and strengthen the foundations of our mission. She leaves an incredible legacy and the respect and gratitude of everyone at Mind.”
Stevie Spring, Chair of Main Board of Trustees, said:
“Kathleen has been a fundraising trailblazer in mental health for nearly a quarter of a century. She's led campaigns that have raised over £800M for the Mind family - helping hundreds of thousands of us to get well, stay well and live well with our diagnoses. I, and my Board colleagues, applaud her legacy and are profoundly grateful for all she has done for our mental health community. We will miss her!”
Kathleen Miles said:
“It has been an immense privilege to have been a part of Mind’s journey and I am humbled on a daily basis by our incredible supporters and by the talent of Mind’s fundraising team, I am so proud of the work we have achieved together in raising the profile of mental health and building the support needed to help people across England and Wales. Mind will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish everyone continued success in the vital work ahead.”
Kathleen leaves Mind as one of the charity sector's most accomplished fundraising leaders, having shaped a model of success and sustainability that will benefit Mind – and the millions it services – for years to come.
