New head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust

Katie has had a longstanding role as projects and campaigns leader in the ITF maritime section, giving her unrivalled knowledge of the industry and the challenges faced by seafarers.

As head of the Trust, the charitable arm of the ITF, Katie will continue her work supporting the welfare of seafarers and other maritime workers.

“I’m very pleased to be joining the ITF Seafarers’ Trust,” commented Katie. “Having worked for some years looking into the worst end of the maritime industry, particularly abandonment cases, leading the Seafarers’ Trust will be an amazing opportunity to have a greater impact on the welfare of seafarers.”

Dave Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said: “Katie’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Trust. We now have an experienced, talented, and determined woman leading our work, sending out a message to seafarers everywhere that we will not stand still in our pursuit of positive change for them and their families.”

ITF general secretary, Stephen Cotton, added: “The head of the Trust is a critical position within our maritime family, and these is no better candidate than Katie. She has shown exceptional qualities throughout her time at the ITF – notably the outstanding work on seafarer abandonment issues - and everyone here is proud of her rise through the ranks. Katie will take the Trust from strength to strength.”

The Trust makes grants to organisations and projects that provide services to seafarers and maritime workers, invest in long-term programmes that improve the health and wellbeing of seafarers and their families, and encourage positive change in the maritime community.

More information about the ITF Seafarers’ Trust can be found at: http://www.seafarerstrust.org/