Ali’s professional career has been committed to forging, developing and managing opportunities for young people to grow, be challenged and realise their potential, passionately believing in achieving these through partnerships and collaboration.
Alistair oversees all financial and commercial activities in both the UK and East Africa for The Wood Foundation group, including all joint-venture subsidiaries. Although based in Aberdeen, Alistair travels regularly to East Africa and the majority of his work relates directly to our ‘Transforming Livelihoods through Venture Philanthropy in Africa’ portfolio. A large proportion of his time is spent on financial due diligence, long-term financial planning, and commercial and legal negotiation for new projects.
Alistair qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2000 and was Director of Finance for the largest independent accounting firm in Scotland before joining The Wood Foundation.
Georgea is responsible for the strategic development and operational management of Excelerate and Global Learning Partnerships (GLP), committed to identifying opportunities for collaboration and empowering transformational pedagogical approaches in Scotland’s schools.
Georgea was one of The Wood Foundation’s first team members, joining in 2008.
She is accredited by the Association of Facilitators as a Level 2 Facilitator.
Brian joined The Wood Foundation in July 2021, having previously held a number of youth work and empowerment roles across Scotland.
Suzanne spent 10 years managing PR and communications for a diverse range of third and private sector clients within agencies, including five years managing her own consultancy business.
Melanie comes from an action research background, specialising in impact management throughout the third sector.
Employed by The Wood Foundation and based within Education Scotland, Gayle is the strategic lead and programme coordinator for Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE).
Gayle manages the team of Primary Science Development Officers, works closely with local authority partners to develop the ambitions of their primary STEM strategies, leads on the cultivation of relationships with interested local authorities and creates resources, learning materials and professional learning opportunities.
Her background is in secondary education, initially as a Biology teacher and then as Curriculum Lead for Science. Gayle has been a member of the Qualification Design and Verification teams within SQA.
Alongside Alex Reid, Lynsey is responsible for the operational delivery of YPI and the coordination of the regional facilitation team across Scotland. Her role also includes designing and delivering professional learning network sessions; providing one-to-one support sessions and developing YPI resources.
Lynsey has worked in education and graduate development roles in the public and private sectors.
Alongside Lynsey Brosnan, Alex is responsible for the operational delivery of YPI and the coordination of the regional facilitation team across Scotland. Her role also includes providing implementation support to rural schools; providing one-to-one support sessions and developing YPI resources.
Alex previously held a variety of positions within private and third sector organisations which focused on the development of young people.
Jenni coordinates the development and delivery of our Excelerate investment. She supports our team of school-based Business and Community Support Officers, and provides central support in regards to programme administration, coordination, and communications.
Jenni has held a variety of roles in the private sector focussed on communications, customer service, and project management. Alongside her role at The Wood Foundation, Jenni is a yoga teacher and artist.
Angela is responsible for all management and statutory reporting for The Wood Foundation, including a number of group entities. She also works closely with the finance team in Africa on third party funder reporting.
Angela qualified as an accountant in 2002 and worked in the profession for 23 years before joining The Wood Foundation.
As well as supporting IT and systems requirements, Kelly coordinates the TWF website and also provides financial administrative support to TWF’s accounting team.
Rosalyn supports Angela Lyon, providing financial administration across our activities in the UK and Africa.
Rosalyn previously held roles in hospitality and administration.
Siobhan qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2012 and as an ICAS Tax Professional in 2017. She has previously worked in practice in both accounts and tax departments.
Chloe previously held roles in administration.
Carolyn manages administration across The Wood Foundation’s portfolio of activities. She oversees and develops our systems and processes, as well as being a key contact of our YPI funding partners. Carolyn works closely with the management team providing support and reporting, as well as overseeing contract management and compliance. Carolyn leads on our IT provision and oversees HR administration.
Carolyn has previously held public and third sector administration roles.
Olivia supports the administration team, completing a number of key tasks in relation to our UK office, programme, and investment activities. With a focus on our YPI programme, Olivia is responsible for processing grants to our recipient charities.
Olivia previously held an administration role.