A CHARITABLE association which manages a £22 million funding pot on behalf of Anglesey communities has appointed its new chief executive.

Y Gymdeithas (previously known as The Isle of Anglesey Charitable Association) has announced the appointment of Celyn Edwards to the post.

Celyn, who began her new role last month, trained as a barrister at Cardiff University before spending close to 10 years working for the Welsh Parliament, working with and engaging citizens from across Wales in the Welsh democratic process.

As chief executive, her focus now will be on driving forward Y Gymdeithas’ charitable vision and priorities.

Celyn, born and raised in Dwyran and who now lives in Brynsiencyn, said: “I look forward to working with the trustees to raise the profile of Y Gymdeithas and promote the important work it does across the island.

“Together, we will develop a unique identity for Y Gymdeithas and create, support and innovate new charitable activities that will benefit the people of Anglesey.”

For almost three decades, the former Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust distributed the proceeds of the Shell (UK) legacy fund among worthy causes.

That responsibility was recently passed on to Y Gymdeithas, with a new governance model providing a greater flexibility to make the best possible future use of this vital funding.

Y Gymdeithas is currently comprised of elected county councillors as trustees, but is also able to appoint at least two independent trustees.

Y Gymdeithas chairman, Trefor Lloyd Hughes, added: "I would like to welcome Celyn to the important role of chief executive of our charitable association, Y Gymdeithas.

“In her appointment, we have succeeded in recruiting an individual with a real passion in promoting the interests of Anglesey, its communities and people. She has new ideas and an exciting vision for Y Gymdeithas, which will no doubt be of real value to the people of Anglesey.

"For more than 30 years, the old Charitable Trust awarded substantial grant funding to various organisations and charitable causes on the Island. The positive effect of this important financial support has been felt across the length and breadth of our island.

"I look forward to working with Celyn and our trustees to ensure that local communities continue to benefit from this important legacy fund and the good work of Y Gymdeithas."