CARDIFF, Wales: Hugh Morgan, chief executive of Autism Cymru – Wales’ National Charity for Autism - has been named a finalist in the 2009 Leading Wales Awards. The Awards seek to recognise and celebrate outstanding leaders across Wales.

Hugh Morgan is one of the five finalists in the "Voluntary and Not for profit" category in recognition of his determined leadership that is helping to make a real difference to the lives of people with autism in Wales and beyond.  

The award has been sponsored by the Leading Wales Awards Consortium.

The Leading Wales Awards recognise great leadership at all levels across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Wales, celebrating individuals whose excellent leadership skills have made a strong impact and resulted in positive change within their organisations or communities. 

“Wales has outstanding leaders in all walks of life and the awards celebrate the people who, thanks to their superb leadership skills, have made a real difference in their organisation, business or community,” said Barbara Chidgey, spokesperson for the Leading Wales Awards, the consortium of public, private and voluntary sector organisations that developed and organise the awards.

The charity is delighted that Hugh has been shortlisted.  “We are over the moon that Hugh’s achievements have been recognised. Autism Cymru is staffed by a very small, dynamic team who have created huge waves within the autism field in Wales, the UK and the rest of the world. This would not have been possible if we didn’t have such a inspirational and passionate  figurehead as Hugh leading the way,” said Jennie Thomas, Event Manager for Autism Cymru

For more information, visit www.leadingwalesawards.com or www.awares.org  
 
Leading Wales Awards is made up of a consortium of private, public and voluntary sector organisations:

    * ACCA
    * CBI Wales
    * Cardiff Business School
    * Chartered Management Institute
    * Common Purpose
    * Harding Evans Solicitors
    * Hilton Cardiff
    * Learning Pathways Cymru
    * Wales Management Council
    * Wales Council for Voluntary Action

Real Radio Wales is broadcast partner for 2009.

For further information on Autism Cymru, call Jennie Thomas on 029 20463263. For information on autism, go to www.awares.org

Autism Cymru is Wales’ National Charity for Autism with offices in Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Wrexham. 

Barbara Chidgey, Consortium Chair, can be contacted on barbarachidgey@learningpathways.info and via 07989 385114

(Source: Autism Cymru, January 9, 2009)