Four Deputy Lieutenants for West Midlands announced

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, has announced four new Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands, whose backgrounds range from education, support for young people, leaders in diversity and inclusion, motivation, engagement and communications.

The appointments are;

• Owen Everton Burke OBE, FCFE. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute for Further Education who has been in leadership positions in education for over 30 years
• Kevin Roy Davis MBA, who is Group Chief Executive of The Vine Trust Group that is a multi-million pound turnover group of social enterprises focused on education, employment and engagement of young people
• Dave Heeley OBE, who has achieved the most amazing challenges and, despite being blind, is a true inspiration to many on his positive approach to get the very best out of life
• Lesley Wilde, who is an innovative networker and strategic communications specialist, running her own agency, Wilde Thing Strategic Communications, PR and Events with a track record supporting public sector campaigns

These latest appointments bring the total of Deputy Lieutenants in the Midlands to 75.

The West Midlands is the second largest Lieutenancy in the country and the Deputy Lieutenants get involved in many initiatives to support the community and recognise the people who make a difference to others.

The Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, said the appointments are being announced as the West Midlands celebrates its existence for the last 50 years and reflects the forward-thinking and community spirit across the region.

He said: “I’m proud of what has been achieved in the region over the years and I’m excited by the new projects and activities that are taking forward the West Midlands. It is heart-warming to see so many people giving so much of themselves to help others and these new Deputy Lieutenants are some of the terrific people we have here that are making such a difference to our community.

I know they will complement the existing Deputy Lieutenants and help our activities that include community initiatives recognising at every level the people who devote their lives to improving those of others.”

The West Midlands Lieutenancy comprises Birmingham, Coventry Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It was established in 1974.