Launchpad, the charity supporting homeless Armed Forces veterans across the North East of England and Liverpool, has announced the appointment of Jude McKee as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Jill Murray BA FCIH, who retired at the end of August 2026.
Jude brings extensive executive leadership experience across housing, homelessness and social care. She spent five years at St Mungo’s, including as Area Manager for Hackney and East London, before eleven years at Strides, progressing from Head of Services to Chief Executive. Most recently, she co-founded Nonprofit Impact, working with charity and social care leaders on organisational transformation, and joined the Board of Walterton and Elgin Community Homes, a resident-led Housing Association, where she has particular oversight of Asset and Property Strategy and Operations.
Jude has led organisations through significant periods of change, with particular expertise in governance, service quality, organisational culture, regulatory compliance, risk and assurance, and partnership development. She takes over a charity in a strong position, with the governance, financial and strategic foundations required to deliver Launchpad’s five-year strategy to 2030.
Jude McKee said:
“I’m delighted to have joined Launchpad at such an exciting point in its journey. Having spent much of my career working in housing, homelessness and social care, I know how important it is to combine safe, secure housing with the right support and opportunities to rebuild an independent life. Jill leaves Launchpad in excellent shape, with a strong team and a clear strategy for the years ahead. I’m very grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from the Board and team, and I’m looking forward to building on Launchpad’s strengths and reach. My focus will be on building on what Launchpad does so well: putting veterans at the heart of our work, supporting our brilliant team, strengthening our partnerships and sharing more widely what we know works. I’m excited about the opportunity to help Launchpad have an even greater impact and to ensure the voices and experiences of veterans continue to be heard.”
Jude McKee took up the role on 2 September 2026.
