Leeds Community Foundation Appoints New Chair and Trustees

Changes to leadership aim to support community development

Leeds Community Foundation has announced the appointment of five new trustees to its board, alongside the appointment of a new chair. These changes come as part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to support communities across Leeds.

New Chair Takes the Helm

Dee Reid assumed the role of chair in December, succeeding Cleveland Henry, who stepped down after seven years in the position. Dee Reid has been a board member since 2020 and served as deputy chair since 2023. On her appointment, she emphasised her commitment to providing stability and support to ensure the Foundation and the communities it serves continue to thrive.

New Trustees Bring Diverse Expertise

The five new trustees joining the board bring a range of professional backgrounds, including legal, property, technology, marketing, and community sectors. The new trustees are:

• Malcolm Lynch – Partner at Wrigleys Solicitors, specialising in social purpose and social economy organisations, with expertise in charity law.
• Paul Morris – Director of St James Securities, a chartered surveyor with extensive networks in the public and private sectors, and a trustee for The Dyson Charitable Trust.
• Rachel McElroy – Marketing Director at Axiologik, with senior roles across various sectors and experience in organisational development.
• Raheem Mohammed – Director of Hamara Healthy Living Centre, with experience in governance, funding, partnership working, and a founding trustee of Orphan Care.
• Will Parker – Founder of WRK Digital, with expertise in technology, digital innovation, organisational culture and development, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Existing Board Members

The new trustees will join existing board members Amjid Hussain, Carl Hawkes, Emily Jones, Hugh Fairclough, Ruth Bromley, Sharon Orr, Will Clarke, and chair Dee Reid.

Leadership Comments

Steph Taylor, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation, welcomed the new trustees, highlighting their passion and commitment to the Foundation’s work. She noted that their varied skills and expertise would be valuable as the organisation progresses through the second half of its five-year strategy, aiming to create a fairer Leeds.

Source: Leeds Community Foundation