Veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress appoints new directors

Combat Stress, the UK’s leading mental health charity for ex-servicemen and women, has appointed two new directors as the charity reshapes its executive team.

Director of Client Services – Carol Smith

Carol joins Combat Stress this month as the new Director of Client Services. She served as a commissioned officer in the Personnel Support branch of the Royal Air Force (RAF). She completed two tours of duty in Germany and was also stationed on Ascension Island.

During her military career Carol was employed in a wide range of roles from infrastructure management to finance management and recruiting. Before leaving the RAF, Carol worked in the Ministry of Defence as the lead for operational and non-operational welfare and housing policy for the Armed Forces. On leaving the military she was appointed Assistant Director Operations Health and Social Care at The Royal British Legion.

In her new position at Combat Stress Carol will oversee the delivery of services for veterans.

Director of Resources – Richard Whitley

Richard also joins Combat Stress this month, taking up the post of Director of Resources. He has worked in the charity sector for the last eight years as Director of Resources for Prostate Cancer UK and Independent Age.

Richard is a qualified accountant with nearly 25 years’ experience, and has a master’s degree in management from Warwick Business School.

As Director of Resources, Richard leads the Finance, Governance, IT and HR functions of the charity.

Combat Stress’ Chief Executive Sue Freeth said:

“I am delighted to welcome Carol Smith and Richard Whitley to Combat Stress. They bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that will ensure a positive future for the charity and enable us to continue supporting veterans in the most effective way.

“They will also help to shape our new five year strategy, which is due to be published later this year.”

The appointment of Carol Smith and Richard Whitley follows a restructure of the Combat Stress Executive Team in 2016.