Board of Trustees

Emma grew up locally in Alford and moved to Huntly in 2004 after graduating from University in
Edinburgh.

She came to GRA in 2018 after 7 years at the local branch of RBS so is a familiar face to many. She
spent some time volunteering with GRA in 2006 while studying Law in Aberdeen and really enjoyed
the experience so was keen to come back and see how her skills could be put to use in helping our
community.

After the initial project came to an end, she joined the advice team and helped in the development
of the Huntly Hub before becoming the Advice Hub Manager. She was instrumental in establishing
of the Uniform Exchange and the Baby Bank and became the Chief Officer responsible for the day to
day running of GRA in 2021.

She is passionate about the community and helping Huntly to grow and develop.

Educated to degree level in sociology, additionally with a commercial law degree.  Post graduate qualifications held in risk & safety management, acoustic evaluation and education.

Extensive experience gained internationally in management within aviation.  Currently working on projects as a behavioural analyst and safety advisor in software systems for the development of reporting apps.  Previously held a senior faculty post in university education as a leader and developer of undergraduate programmes.  Experience has included accreditation of degree programmes as both an evaluator and chairman of course review panels.  Time additionally devoted to national research funding committees and allocation of resources to projects promoting safety.  Branch committee member and chairman of Scotland branch of national professional association over a five-year period.

Experience brought to GRA is refined competencies in general management and board development to ensure successful operation of both the commercial and charitable enterprises of the organisation.  This experience is proving invaluable in supporting the GRA teams and board during the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19.

Looking towards the future the strategy is a key feature of the GRA board action to ensure continuity of the charity serving the community and background education in sociology and demographics is proving immensely valued to support this.

I’m a 44-year-old, single mother of two who lives in Huntly. I have a keen interest in community matters and am a Councillor for Huntly Community Council.

I worked as a legal secretary for over 20 years before having a break to raise my children. I am close to completing a degree in health and social care through Open University. I work as a Trainee Substance Use Community Recovery Worker, based in the Garioch.

I joined the Board at GRA because I believe that the services provided are vital to the Huntly Community and wanted to support their fantastic charity shop. In my spare time I enjoy walking and reading.

I am a retired lady in my sixties, a mother and grandmother. After having my children at a young age I returned to my education and went to university as a mature student and qualified as a primary school teacher.

I decided not to teach but went into management in the manufacturing industry. I performed many roles including production planning, purchasing, personnel, bookkeeping and health & safety.

Ten years later I became a self-employed bookkeeper to small limited companies. After moving to Huntly in 2008 I worked in the local doctor’s surgery until my retirement in 2016.

Bio Pending.