Charlene Brooks is the CEO of Belfast Healthy Cities, the organisation responsible for delivering Belfast’s role as a WHO-designated Healthy City, with a focus on health equity and sustainable urban development. Since joining in April 2024, she has led work to embed health and well-being into urban policy and practice, including initiatives on green spaces, active travel and community prosperity.

Charlene brings over 25 years’ experience in the voluntary and community sector. Prior to this role, she was CEO of Parenting NI, where she championed early intervention and services supporting families. Her leadership experience includes serving as Chair of NICVA (current) and as the Independent Chair of the Charity Commission NI Stakeholder Forum (2021-2025), advocating for strong partnership working and sector collaboration. She also sits on the VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel for Belfast (April 2025-present), contributing to community planning and strengthening cross-sector relationships.

A committed advocate for health and well-being, Charlene is dedicated to tackling inequalities and advancing health equity.