Autism Guernsey appoints new chairman

David Harry has taken on the role, succeeding Andrew Warren, who retired earlier this year.

Mr Harry said he was excited about taking up the new challenge.

‘I hope that the knowledge and experience of Guernsey charities and the third sector which I gained at the Guernsey Sports Commission and the Priaulx Library can be beneficial to help advance Autism Guernsey and the very necessary and supportive work that they do in helping those who are affected by autism,’ he said.

He said that his first job would be to get to know the staff and volunteers at the charity.

‘I want to give them my support and encouragement for the incredibly valuable work that they do within the Bailiwick,’ he said.

‘I hope to be able to carry on the great work undertaken by Andrew and previous chairmen over the last 12 years since Autism Guernsey was formed.’

Mr Harry was a solicitor and retired from practising law in 2015. He was appointed as CEO of the Guernsey Sports Commission for three years, which was then followed by a similar role at the Priaulx Library until 2022.

With a keen interest in sport, he was vice-chairman and then chairman of the Guernsey Commonwealth Games Association from 2005 until 2023.

He is also the current chairman of the Guernsey Planning Appeals Panel, having been appointed in 2017.

The charity said it was enormously grateful to Mr Warren who had been actively involved with the charity for eight years, with the latter four years as its chairman.