Karen Webb Retires

Karen Webb

Rob Bartlett presenting Karen with champagne and flowers at the BVAA Regional Dinner in March

In March, Karen Webb, BVAA’s Membership Development Manager took early retirement after more than 14 years’ dedicated service to the BVAA and its members.

Karen joined the Association in August 2010, and for a time, the team comprised solely of Karen and CEO, Rob Bartlett. She was involved in almost every aspect of the BVAA’s work, quickly establishing herself as a driving force and truly great ambassador. It was certainly no coincidence that there soon followed a rapid expansion of the Association’s membership, and its services.

Trade associations are unlike any other business, and yet Karen completely and naturally understood how this strange animal worked, how the people worked in and around it, and knew how to maximise the true benefit of membership for all parties concerned.  

One of her key achievements was her expansion of our training programme. She discovered potential new lecturers and courses, worked closely with members and non-members, as well as our team of Technical Consultants to develop and deliver class-leading training.

Karen was never happier than when she was visiting member organisations, warmly welcoming everyone at events and making valuable introductions between the members. A skilled and competent colleague and leader, there was no job or task beyond Karen. But it was as a trusted friend and confidant that Karen also found her place with members and colleagues alike.

Before Karen left, she wrote a wonderful piece in our Annual Review, and it beautifully encapsulates her character and love of the job. Her energy, warmth and kindness were infectious, and we will all miss her greatly, and wish her a very long, and happy retirement.

‘We’ve celebrated, mourned, laughed and cried together, been keepers of confidences and shared our family dramas. I will really miss working alongside them all.

Whoever takes over from me, will have the most wonderful experience. It really has been a blast!’ Karen Webb.

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