Family Crisis Centre welcomes new CEO

After over two decades of transformative leadership from Jane Stephens, the Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Hayley Heard as its incoming Chief Executive Officer.

Jane has been at the heart of the organisation for over 20 years, guiding the centre through times of immense change and championing safety, dignity, and hope for hundreds of survivors of domestic abuse across North Powys.

Her dedication and passion have shaped Montgomeryshire into one of the region’s most trusted and compassionate lifelines for families in crisis.

Jane has been instrumental in the organisation now having five refuges, with the first male refuge in the region, and two being the first to have dog kennels, providing emotional support for clients who have suffered the worst kinds of trauma through domestic abuse.

“It has been my absolute privilege to serve the people of North Powys through this organisation,” said Jane, who has retired.

“The work of Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre has always been about restoring lives and building strength from adversity, and providing safety and reassurance to survivors of domestic abuse.

“I have a wonderful team behind me, and I am confident that Hayley will lead the charity with heart, vision, and a deep respect for the people we serve.”

Incoming CEO, Hayley, joins the centre with a strong background in community leadership and advocacy. Her first priority will be to listen and learn, and concentrate on engaging with staff, survivors, partners, and funders to build a shared understanding of MFCC’s next phase of impact.

“I’m deeply honoured to continue Jane’s extraordinary legacy,” she said. “Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre is built on compassion, courage, and community, and those same values will guide how we move forward. Together, we’ll strengthen the services that save lives, invest in prevention, and help create a future free from fear.”

The leadership transition marks a moment of both gratitude and renewal for the centre, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary, as it reaffirms its mission to support survivors, influence change, and break the cycle of domestic abuse across the region.