The new chief executive of a charity which supports people with financial and legal problems has spoken about the “ambitious plans” to continue to grow the service.

Nina Villa is the new chief executive officer of Citizens’ Advice Stevenage, which is based at Swingate House in Danestrete.

After completing legal studies, Nina started a career as a medic with the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, before moving on to various senior local government roles within Hertfordshire.

She has also spent many years as a Royal Navy reservist and has held various voluntary roles.

Her most recent employment was as deputy chief executive at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and she brings with her significant board level experience in a variety of organisations.

She replaces former CEO Andy Rice, who was in post for less than six months.

Nina said: “I am delighted to have joined such a fantastic team of trustees, staff and volunteers, and look forward to helping them build on the strong foundations left by the previous CEO and to continue to develop our invaluable service.

“Citizens’ Advice Stevenage has ambitious plans to grow and develop our advice service to the community, despite facing a challenging funding environment, and I am delighted to be able to be part of delivering those ambitions.”

Citizens’ Advice Stevenage is an independent charity which helps people resolve their financial, legal and other problems by providing free, impartial information and advice. It helps people find a way forward, and develop the skills to prevent a similar scenario arising again.

The charity’s services are delivered through the 79 volunteers and 23 paid staff, and last year Citizens’ Advice Stevenage helped more than 7,000 people with more than 22,000 problems.

Richard Westergreen-Thorne, chairman of the trustee board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nina to Citizens’ Advice Stevenage, who brings with her a great amount of experience and expertise to help us continue to move the organisation forward.

“Nina has a strong track record and we look forward to working with her to execute our ambitious business strategy.”

To contact Citizens’ Advice for help, or to volunteer, call 03444 111444 or visit www.stevenagecab.org.uk for further information.