Manchester Pride director Jackie Crozier has announced that she
is resigning from the annual festival.
Crozier, who has decided to step down, has agreed to continue in
her role until her replacement is appointed and to help out with
the handover.
"I've been involved with Manchester Pride for six years and remain
as passionate about it today as I was in 2005", she said. "This is
our 21st anniversary and I am hopeful that this is the year that
we'll see the amount we have raised for charity top the million
pound mark. It feels like the right time for me to make the tough
decision to leave Manchester Pride.
"It's been a huge part of my life and I've worked with some
wonderful people. Together we've created one of the most successful
Prides in Europe that consistently raises six figure amounts for
charity every year. That's a proud legacy for me to pass on and I
am looking forward to seeing Manchester Pride's successful
evolution."
Vicken Couligan, Chairman of Manchester Pride, paid tribute to her
today, saying: "On behalf of the trustees and the LGBT community,
I'd like to thank Jackie for her tireless work and commitment to
Manchester Pride over the last six years. She has consistently
created a spectacular annual event that supports lots of fantastic
causes and one that we are all hugely proud of. We are very sorry
to lose her but it's clear that Jackie has thought this through and
she leaves the organisation in a strong position for the
future."
Tim Sigworth, Chief Executive of the Albert Kennedy Trust, said:
"I had the pleasure of recruiting Jackie Crozier to the post of
Festival Coordinator in 2005. At interview I saw a dynamic,
passionate and talented person who I knew would ensure Pride
flourished: she has far exceeded my expectations for her. As
Festival Director, supported by staff, volunteers and the Board of
Pride she has made the festival a phenomenal success and a leader
amongst Prides around the country, with her innovative
approach.
"A shrewd businesswoman, a creative events organizer and a really
lovely person: I am very proud of her and Manchester should be
extremely proud of her too!"
The process to recruit a new festival director will start later
this year led by Manchester Pride's Board of Trustees.
Manchester pride takes place next weekend.
