Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is pleased to announce that Justina Murray has been appointed as the new CEO of the organisation after starting as the Interim CEO in June 2017. We’re delighted to welcome Justina to our small but strong team!
With her strong background in research, policy, and partnership working, Justina brings a fresh array of knowledge and experience to the team. Justina was most recently the Chief Officer of South West Scotland Community Justice Authority which included collaborations with local ADPs, focused work on Alcohol and Offending, and holding the national CJA portfolio for ‘children and families affected by the justice system’ which included partnership work with Families Outside. Justina also worked as the Community Planning Coordinator with North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership, holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy, and worked in New Zealand as a Research and Information Manager.
Justina will lead to the ongoing commitments of Scottish Families to recognise and support families across Scotland who are affected by someone’s substance use.
On her appointment, Justina said: “I am really delighted to have been appointed as the permanent CEO with Scottish Families. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent as interim CEO earlier on this summer, and want to say a huge thank you to all the Board, staff team and partner organisations for making me so welcome. Since its creation in 2003, I know that Scottish Families has built a great track record in supporting families and championing their contribution to recovery. But I know there is always more to do, and I am looking forward to working with others to take the organisation forward to the next stage in its story.”
Isabel McNab, Chair of Scottish Families, added: “I am delighted to welcome Justina Murray to lead and support the work of Scottish Families. Justina’s appointment hails a new period of development for the organisation. This is an opportunity to focus afresh on the support we offer to families as they cope with and recover from family substance use. Justina’s previous experience places her firmly in a position to influence and partner with policymakers to ensure the needs and contributions of families are recognised.”
Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: “I very much look forward to working closely with Justina and the team at Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs to reduce the devastating impact of alcohol in Scotland. When someone has an alcohol problem, their family can feel worried, frustrated and helpless. Scottish Families plays a vital role in speaking up for and supporting the thousands of families across the country that has been affected by a loved one’s drinking or drug use.”