Stephen Matthews OBE was Chief Executive of The Cedar Foundation, to October 2021, completing over 30 years’ service. Cedar supports over 3000 individuals living with disability, autism and brain injury to live the lives they choose. At Cedar he oversaw the development of a range of specialisms, including Supported Community Living for people with complex needs. He was appointed OBE in 2010 for services to people with a disability.

A graduate of the Universities of Ulster and Birmingham he is Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualified and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Stephen is a former Chair of CO3, He continues involvement as a CEO Mentor.

Stephen was appointed an Equality Commissioner with the ECNI in 2019, completing his term in May 2022. Stephen was reappointed as an Equality Commissioner with the ECNI in February 2023.

He is NI volunteer advisor to UK grant giving charitable foundation The Henry Smith’s Charity, supporting the investment over £1m pa to NI third Sector organisations.