Leon Mexter – Chief Executive

Leon Mexter is the Chief Executive and has worked at the Unit since 2001. Leon has overall responsibility for the operational management and strategic development of the Unit. He works closely with the Board of Directors and the staff team, to develop the strategic and business plan for the organisation, and ensure that the Unit is working to meet its charitable objectives.

Within the Unit, Leon supports the Network of Integrated Youth Support Services (IYSS), which includes the Regional Heads of IYSS Group, the Regional Youth Work Leads Group and the Regional Forum for Voluntary Youth Organisations. A significant role for Leon is in maintaining strong links with our regional and national partners including the Institute for Local Governance, the Network of Regional Youth Work Units, the Confederation of Heads of Young People’s Services and the National Council for Voluntary Youth Organisations. Leon is a member of a number of regional groups including the NE Generation Programme Board, the North East Child Poverty Commission, the advisory group for the Centre for Creativity and Learning, and the Board of Northern Architecture. Leon also has a role in developing new areas of work including establishing new partnerships, for example with the cultural sector, and research proposals with Universities in the North East.
Leon also oversees the developmental work at the Unit, including the recent development of the Diamond Model and coordinating the Net Assets project on social media and campaigning with young people.

When Leon is not at work, he enjoys time with his family and his new son, Freddie. Leon remains a stalwart member of the Mallards Cricket team, and he is hoping that Freddie will one day follow in his dad’s size 14 footsteps, and join the team.