HM The Queen has been pleased to appoint Mrs Susan Lousada DL as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Bedfordshire on the retirement of Mrs Helen Nellis on Tuesday 06 September 2022.
Mrs Susan Lousada DL was appointed as High Sheriff during the first week of the Covid-19 lockdown, but nevertheless managed to reach out to all parts of the county. In particular, she spearheaded an initiative to tackle digital poverty, resulting in the supply of a significant number of devices to under-privileged children.
An experienced professional director in the family’s property and investment company, Susan also has a huge focus on the voluntary service, with a particular emphasis on helping children and young people. Currently as Vice-President of Bedfordshire NSPCC; as advisor to the senior management team overseeing the Schoolreaders charity; as a Trustee of the Level Trust, which helps children from poorer families in Luton meet the costs of education; and as a Trustee of the HEART multi-academies trust in Bedford, along with many more.
Mrs Lousada lives at Oakley, near Bedford, with her husband Simon. They have two adult children.
Commenting on her appointment Susan said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed by HM The Queen to the historic role of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
I look forward to representing our monarchy and serving all people that live and make their lives in Bedfordshire. I am passionate about Bedfordshire and will continue to help and promote all the organisations and individuals that work tirelessly to help others within our community. I am proud to recognise the huge progress that we have made as a County towards the building of a fairer, kinder, respectful community where all can flourish and feel welcome. It has been a wonderful experience to be part of the team led by the current Lord-Lieutenant who has worked so hard to support this progress.
I would especially like to pay tribute to the outstanding service that Helen Nellis has given during the eleven years she has been Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. She has fulfilled the role with dignity, integrity, energy and absolute commitment”.
