Chrissie Kempe is set to become the next executive director at WindReach, according to a spokeswoman for the charity.

In a statement this afternoon, it was announced that Erica Davidson, who has served in the post for more than five years, is set to depart at the end of the week.

Ms Kempe, her replacement, has been serving as the administrator at Westmeath Residential and Nursing Care Home.

Stewart Ritchie, chairman of the WindReach board, said: “While we’re obviously disappointed Erica is leaving us after a successful 5½ years as executive director, we are enormously grateful for everything she has done for the organisation.

“During her tenure, she has improved the quality of our programme delivery and increased the reach of our programmes. The number of people who use WindReach, and benefited from the programmes offered, has increased significantly under her leadership. We wish Erica all the best as she enters a new and exciting stage in her personal life.”

He added that the board was delighted to welcome Ms Kempe, saying: “Ms Kempe brings strong management skills to the organisation and her background with seniors will be invaluable as we seek to further our programme delivery to seniors in the community.

“I look forward to continuing Ms Davidson’s hard work by expanding WindReach’s programmes, especially in the area of day activities for individuals living with dementia.”