Cambridgeshire based homelessness charity The Ferry Project has named local authority housing manager Sandra Ferreira as its next chief executive.

She replaces the charity’s founder and current CEO Keith Smith, who has led Ferry Project for 26 years and is to retire in March next year.

Ferreira joins from South Holland District Council in Lincolnshire where she has been housing services manager since 2023.

Her previous roles have included managing homelessness services at housing association Sanctuary and managing semi-independent accommodation for care leavers in Norfolk.

Ferreira, who will join in October for a six-month induction period and move fully into the role in April next year,” said she is “deeply honoured” to lead the charity.

“I come to this role not just with strategy, but with heart. At Ferry Project, our mission isn’t just to serve it’s to restore hope, reshape systems, and remind people they matter,” she added.

Smith added: “It is a pleasure to welcome Sandra into Ferry Project. I am excited by all that she can bring and look forward to working with her to help homeless people in Fenland. It is wonderful to be able to hand over this important work to someone who really cares.”

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