5th August 2016
Caroline Thomson, Mike Starkie, Steve Cockayne and Tony Keen have been appointed as new trustees to the board of Cumbria Community Foundation.
The Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter across the county. More than £2m a year is awarded in grants through its philanthropic funds, supporting community projects which make a lasting and positive difference to the area.
Caroline Thomson is chair of Digital UK, the body which is responsible for digital terrestrial television, she is a Director of CN Group, trustee of Tullie House Museum and was Chief Operating Officer for the BBC before stepping down from her role in September 2012.
Caroline said: ““I have been really impressed by the work that CCF has done in the community over the years and most especially recently on helping flood victims. I hope in some small way I can help it remain an effective force in the future.”
Steve Cockayne is Chief Engineer for Sellafield Ltd. He joined Sellafield in 1991 as Commissioning Engineer and went on to hold a number of senior operational and engineering roles before taking up his current position as Chief Engineer for the site.
Steve said: “Sellafield Ltd has had a very supportive relationship with CCF through Nuclear Management Partners. Since the change in the management model at Sellafield, our CEO is keen that this relationship continues. I was delighted to be asked to represent Sellafield Ltd and become a trustee to support CCF in helping the local communities.”
Tony Keen is Managing Director of Barrow-based engineering company SN Group. Previously he was a Director of Barrow AFC and has also held positions with Centrica.
Mike Starkie was elected Mayor of Copeland in May 2015. He previously worked in financial services for 26 years in senior corporate roles for companies such as Pearl, Axa and Zurich.
Mike said: “I became a trustee to help make Copeland a better place to live, work and visit. I am proud to be involved in such an inspirational initiative for Cumbrian communities. The Cumbria Community Foundation works incredibly hard to support individuals and organisations wishing to invest in the local community, which in turn makes a huge difference to the most disadvantaged people in our communities.”
The trustees’ appointments were formally ratified at the Board’s quarterly meeting on 22nd July.
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: ““We are pleased to welcome the new members to the Board. They bring a breadth of knowledge as well as various skills and expertise to complement our current trustees. I look forward to working with them all as we continue to tackle disadvantage across the county.”
The new trustees join a board of 18 current trustees that include Chair Ian Brown, partner with Dodd and Co accountants, Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council, Diane Wood and former CEO of Cumbria Tourism, Chris Tomlinson OBE.