It is common practice for valued employees to move onto new pastures carrying a souvenir to remind them of their achievements in their old job.
But our former Finance Director, Helen Rourke, has set an especially high bar.
Last week, Helen was named Finance Professional of the Year at the prestigious Women in Housing Awards at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. She has now taken up the position of Executive Director – Finance with Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group.
Helen was nominated for her award by MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield, who said he was thrilled but not surprised by her success. He said, “Helen has been a wonderful colleague and is a worthy winner at the Women in Housing Awards. “She began her professional career as a trainee at KPMG and quickly progressed through the housing finance world, serving as Assistant Director for Finance at Parkway Green Housing Trust and Finance Director at Trafford Housing Trust before joining MHA. Helen demonstrated remarkable leadership skills in working with the Executive Team and Board to enable us to significantly improve our governance and financial viability ratings as determined by the Regulator of Social Housing… Helen leaves with our sincere good wishes as the newly-crowned Finance Professional of the Year.”
Helen said, “I’m really shocked and humbled to have been given the award. There were some incredible women recognised on the night, and some inspiring stories of what they have achieved across the sector, and I feel honoured to be counted amongst them. It has been a real privilege to have been part of Manningham’s journey over the last two years. Everything we have achieved together is testament to the hard work of the Executive, Board and staff, and I wish them every success into the future.” 