Judith Edward began working in a temporary capacity with the CLC, and ended up staying nearly seven years. And a good thing it was, as our organisation has benefited in untold ways from her dedicated service—everything from managing significantly large financial purchases to troubleshooting gas leaks on the premises. Judith leaves behind a solid legacy as she now enters retirement from a career spanning over forty years.
Initially brought on as interim finance manager when the sale of the International Lutheran Student Centre in Bloomsbury was underway, Judith found herself in place as a global pandemic was descending, bringing everything to a halt—including the search process for her replacement. (And falling under the category of ‘little known facts about Judith,’ she also served for a short time as Interim General Secretary when previous GC Dr. Anna Krauß was being recruited.)
Property transactions have been a hallmark of Judith’s tenure with the CLC: the sales of the ILSC and residential property on Sandwich Street, and purchases of our Trident House office and most recently St. George’s historic Lutheran church in Aldgate. It was a heavy responsibility seeking property with a £5 million budget, but Judith enjoyed the challenge and is pleased with the office space we acquired, calling it ‘premises to be proud of,’ as well as a good commercial asset.
In addition to a tableau of changing properties, Judith has also experienced a parade of colleagues. She began as part of a ‘gang of four,’ along with Bishop Tor Berger Jørgensen, Jan-Eric Österlund, and Emily Weller. Since that time she has worked with (and bid farewell to) Sarah, Tyler, Mauricio, Adela and Anna. And she has welcomed Meelis, Rebecca, Wendy, Joseph, and has most recently undergone an extensive handover with her new replacement Sogol. ‘It’s been great to work with them all,’ reflects Judith, ‘We all have different skills so it makes for a strong team.’
Colleagues also speak well of Judith. Beginning her CLC admin role just days before the first pandemic shut-down, Emily recalls how ‘Judith provided invaluable support during that time, offering a sense of calm and clarity amidst the uncertainty.’ As a colleague, she found Judith ‘kind, funny and down to earth, but serious when it mattered most—when it came to finances!
Indeed, at a recent CLC leadership development event, Judith was identified as (and accepted the description of) a ‘black hat thinker,’ ie. the one who identifies and considers the potential negatives which others may have overlooked. She clarifies that the purpose of such a person is ‘not to stifle innovation and change, but to ensure things are developed on a solid platform.’
Current General Secretary, Rev. Meelis Süld appreciates how Judith ‘never saw any task as being beneath her,’ one of the things that made her such a strong and effective colleague. ‘Although Judith had the role of Finance Manager, the role she played in the CLC was much wider,’ he explains, ‘especially because of her experience in larger organisations and in the charity sector prior to joining the CLC. She was an expert in so many areas, including HR and senior management.’
Something Judith will be well remembered for is her playful spirit—sharing treats and organising fun and constructive events for the staff such as escape rooms, showing that team-building doesn’t have to be a chore, and even finance managers know how to enjoy themselves!
The legacy of Judith’s valuable work for the CLC and the memory of her infectious smile will endure long after she has settled herself into a retirement of chosen activities and well earned rest. Hear more about her plans for the coming years, as well as thoughtful reflections on her long career in the interview on our CLC podcast: https://lutheran.podbean.com/e/a-conversation-with-judith-edward-on-her-clc-career/.
