Big Buddy is proud to announce that two outstanding team members will be stepping up to be the new leaders of the organisation, bringing a blend of vast experience and passion as well as business acumen.
Long serving Operations Manager Steve Sobota and Partnership Manager Christie Stuart will take over the reins at the end of July.
Steve is Big Buddy’s longest serving staff member and will celebrate an incredible 20 years with the charity in a few months’ time. He has been Operations Manager for just over five years. Prior to that Steve was Programmes Manager for Big Buddy and spent eight years as a Mentor Manager.
Christie joined Big Buddy earlier this year, as Partnership Manager, after gaining an affinity for Big Buddy through supporting fundraising events. She is experienced in marketing, sales, sponsorship, business development and events management, with a proven track record of developing strong client relationships while managing multiple facets of not-for-profit enterprises.
The pair replace CEO Jason Judkins, who is moving to the South Island to pursue new challenges with his family. Jason has been an integral part of the growth and development of Big Buddy during his time and is pleased to see the team empowered for the next phase. We wish him all the best.
As joint leaders, Steve will be in charge of Programme and Community and Christie will oversee Partnerships and Operations.
Big Buddy Chair Travis Field says he and the whole Big Buddy Board are excited about the massive potential of Big Buddy’s new leadership direction. “We are pleased to empower two highly valued team members and are looking forward to seeing Steve and Christie step into their new roles, leading Big Buddy’s core purpose to support more boys without a father in their life.”
Right now there are around 8,000 boys in New Zealand without fathers in their lives. These boys are navigating the challenges of life without the steady hand of a father to guide them.
With your help, Big Buddy can continue to match young boys with good men to offer friendship, support and a good male role model to look up to.
With 130 young boys currently on our waitlist, your support today is needed more than ever.
Your donation will help build confidence and resilience in the lives of boys whose fathers are not around.
