Traci Dix-Williams, former Chief Executive Officer of the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours in recognition of her services to heritage.
Describing the honour as “an unexpected and deeply humbling experience,” Traci reflected on a career spent preserving, interpreting and celebrating Britain’s industrial and cultural heritage.
Her professional journey began at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, before she went on to lead Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust as CEO for almost nine years. Across decades in the heritage sector, she has played a key role in safeguarding historic places and ensuring their stories are accessible and meaningful for future generations.
“The cultural and heritage sector has been my professional home for my entire career,” Traci said. “It is exciting, enlightening, challenging and profoundly rewarding. It offers opportunities, experiences and skills that enrich everyone who encounters it.”
She paid special tribute to Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, where she contributed significantly to its 60-year mission to educate, engage and inspire communities. She highlighted the organisation’s commitment to honouring its past while remaining a vibrant and active part of the community it serves.
“I have been privileged to contribute to its journey and to work alongside so many dedicated individuals who care deeply about its future,” she said. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the board, staff, volunteers and everyone connected with the trust for their unwavering support. This honour belongs to all of them as much as it does to me.”
Paul Smith, Chairman of Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, welcomed the news, saying: “We are thrilled that King Charles has bestowed such an honour on Traci, which she justly deserves. Her dedication, creativity and professionalism, particularly through some difficult times, provided a strong foundation for the trust as it stands today.”
The MBE recognises Traci’s outstanding contribution to heritage preservation, community engagement and the stewardship of nationally significant historic environments.
During her tenure, the trust successfully navigated major challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic and periods of economic uncertainty. Under her leadership, the organisation grew its business, strengthened its public profile and received multiple awards recognising excellence in projects, customer service and volunteer programmes.
Following her retirement, Paul Crofts officially took over as CEO in November 2024. He spoke of his enthusiasm for building on the strong foundations established by his predecessor.
Reflecting on her decision to step down, Traci said: “I have had a wonderful, challenging and enriching time. It is an amazing organisation with an incredible history and an exciting future, set in a unique geological area at the heart of Dudley. Stepping down was difficult, but knowing the trust would be in Paul’s care made it easier.”
Paul added: “Having joined from the Black Country Living Museum, I understand the importance of preserving the area’s heritage — from its canals and geology to the stories of the people who shaped the Black Country, past and present.”
