The Leeds Community Foundation is both a registered charity and a registered company. It is governed by a board of elected trustees consisting of professionals and experts from the local private, public and voluntary sectors. They bring a wide range of skills and specialist knowledge to the Foundation such as personnel, financial, media, legal, marketing and strategic management. They help to secure, invest and manage the funds as well as their involvement in the process of grant-making.
(Chairman) Kevin O’Connor is Regional Managing Partner for the North of England and Scotland for Baker Tilly where he is responsible for 600 staff across 12 offices. He has over 25 years experience as a practicing accountant and was Chairman of Financial Leeds in 2008. He also sits on the Employment and Skills Board of the Leeds City Region. Kevin joined the board in 2005 and became Chairman in 2009. Kevin is responsible for managing the board of trustees and providing a strategic overview for the Foundation, as well as liaising closely with the Chief Executive. He sits on the Development Committee. Kevin also enjoys golf and football.
(Treasurer) Steve Rogers was a senior partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Leeds for thirteen years, specialising in assurance and business advisory services. He worked in the East Midlands, London, and Canada before moving to Leeds in 1994. He is currently a non-executive director of The Arran Isle Group and Vp plc and sits as a Magistrate. Steve joined the board in 2007 and chairs the Finance Audit & Governance Committee. In addition to his duties as Treasurer, Steve also helps with project management and development. Steve is married with three grown up girls; he enjoys most sports and loves to travel.
Nick Burr spent over 20 years with ASDA in trading and procurement, including 6 years with Walmart in Europe. Latterly he managed the ASDA Community Team raising money for Breast Cancer Care and Everyman. Nick is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. He joined the board in 2010 and sits on the Grants & Development Committees. Nick also supports staff training and development as well as advising on donor development. He is learning to play the piano.
Cath Mahoney is a self-employed consultant advising on a number of projects in Leeds, primarily focusing on older people. She has several years experience of working in the voluntary sector, both in the UK and overseas, including 8 years as Director of a capacity building organisation called Resourcing the Community. Cath joined the board in 2011 and sits on the Grants Committee. She is interested in art, walking, food, international development and has a particular concern for community cohesion.
Julie Meakin has worked for Leeds City Council for over 20 years and is the Chief Commercial Services Officer. She is responsible for delivering a wide range of commercial and welfare services across the city including catering, fleet services, property maintenance and passenger transport. Julie's experience includes HR and change management and supporting the 3rd sector in achieving public sector contracts. She is also an associate lecturer with the Open University. Julie joined the board in 2010 and sits on the Development Committee and supports events and donor development activities. Outside of work, Julie loves walking and going to the theatre.
Steve Smith is Director of External Development and Dean of the Faculty of Media & Design Communication at the Leeds College of Art. His professional background is in media and communications, notably television and new media and this has helped him gain considerable experience in strategic and operational Marketing and Public Relations. Steve joined the board in 2010 and sits on the Marketing Committee.
Helen Thomson is the assistant director of Employment & Skills at Yorkshire Forward where she has worked since 2002. This role has involved her working with public, private and third sectors on a variety of projects. Prior to that she was Director for the Yorkshire & Humber Forum. Helen joined the board in 2009 and sits on the Grants Committee.
Andrew Wriglesworth is a partner with Wrigleys Solicitors in Leeds and currently is head of the Private Client Team focusing on private client matters and acting for wealthy individuals and families in Yorkshire and beyond. His firm also specialises in Charity Law, both advising existing and new charities. Andrew joined the board in 2006 and sits on the Professional Advisor group and the Finance, Audit & Governance sub-committees. Andrew also sits on the Yorkshire Branch committee of STEP and acts as Secretary. Outside family life, Andrew has also recently become a keen runner.
