A charity leader will retire this year after more than three decades in the public and charity sectors, it was announced today.

Elaine Butterfield, the executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre, is to step down in the summer.

She said: “I am one of the most blessed people in the world to have had the opportunities that I have been afforded.

“Many have said that I have given much but I see it as having received so much more.”

Ms Butterfield added: “I have had a diverse career history from serving as a police officer, to 18 years with the Bermuda Hospitals Board, to serving the third sector at the Chamber of Commerce, The Centre on Philanthropy and of course serving the phenomenal women of our community and their families through my current role.”

She said: “What I will miss the most are the people.

“The privilege to work along with such caring and passionate people, as well as the chance to make a difference in the lives of women with so much potential, has been immeasurable and life changing.

“I have learned so much about myself and been exposed to an intricate understanding of our diverse community and why it is so important to ensure that everyone is respected and allowed to enjoy access to equal opportunity.”

A WRC board spokeswoman said: “Elaine’s departure will be a sharp loss.

“Thankfully, her exemplary leadership has helped fortify the organisation to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and we could not be more grateful for how she has stewarded the WRC’s critical work.

“Elaine has provided administrative excellence together with a commitment to strategic collaboration and co-operation that is so essential for frontline community service.

“Thanks to Elaine’s steadfast efforts, we are excited to see the organisation evolve to meet the changing needs of the community and partners we serve, while honouring the legacy of those who have helped shape the WRC.”

Ms Butterfield’s legacy will include the creation of the Transformational Living Centre for Families, a project she spearheaded with Sheelagh Cooper, the chairwoman of Habitat for Humanity of Bermuda.

The centre is scheduled to open this year and is expected to be “the first comprehensive transitional housing and transformational programme for women and their children in our community”.

Ms Butterfield will continue to serve the TLC for Families as co-chairwoman after her retirement.

Ms Butterfield also sat on a number of boards, including the Bermuda Women’s Council, the Bermuda Family Council and the board of governors of Sandys Middle School.

The WRC was founded in 1987 as the Rape Crisis Centre for sex assault victims.

It has since expanded its services to offer crisis support and educational programmes for women and families.