Our Trustee Board
Jennifer Walker
Chair
Jennifer Walker has a background in managing development projects in Southern and Eastern Africa. She has over 20 years of experience in securing funds, developing relationships with stakeholders, philanthropic investment funds, grant making and managing the marketing of organisations.
Fun fact – Jenny loves nature and listening to country music (she’s a big Dolly Parton fan)!
Laura Keen
Treasurer
Laura Keen has previously worked as an auditor with Grant Thornton, Finance Director of a group of Audi Dealerships and Finance Director and Deputy CEO of the MK Community Foundation.
Fun fact – Laura loves growing her own fruit and veg in her garden.
Julia Upton MBE DL
Julia Upton is passionate about the voluntary and community sector and their role in creating vibrant and successful communities. Professionally she worked in education and then led a philanthropic and grant-making charity. Julia is a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.
Fun fact – Julia likes hiking up mountains!
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Preston Ayres BEM
Preston was a partner in Grant Thornton and has extensive finance experience. He negotiated the purchase of our original flats and retail units. This valuable asset enabled the recent development of our amazing new campus, which was opened in March 2020.
Fun fact – Preston loves motor sport and in 2000 did the London to Sydney Marathon in a Ford Escort Mk1!
Dr Vasco Fernandes
Vasco is a retired Consultant Physician and has experience in public health, substance misuse and general practice.
Fun fact – Vasco enjoys playing table tennis and Bridge.
Dr Anthony Holden
Tony is by profession a physicist and has an extensive background in youth work with 32 years as leader in the Scout Association including serving as District Commissioner in South Northamptonshire.
Fun fact – Tony plays trumpet and occasionally plays in the Parish Church with his wife Jacinta who is a concert pianist and organist.
Benedicta Morrow
Benedicta began her career in fundraising and alumni relations in 1998. She worked in the USA for 10 years before coming back to the UK to work for UCL and then Cranfield University.
Fun fact – Benedicta loves cats and would like to add to the 3 she already has at home.
Robert Higginbottom
Robert has held senior management positions within the YMCA Federation, and other Federated Supported Housing Charities specialising in Supported Housing Management, Facilities Management and Charity Governance.
Fun fact – Robert has a keen interest in UK Heritage and Conservation.
