Oxfordshire Community Foundation has enhanced its team to match its increased ambition for the county as it continues its mission to build thriving communities. New appointments have recently been made at staff, trustee and honorary levels.
Imam Monawar Hussein MBE DL has been appointed Vice President following three years in the role of Trustee for Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF). Monawar is Muslim Tutor at Eton College, Associate Director at LMI-UK and Founder of The Oxford Foundation, a charity that promotes religious and racial harmony. Monawar’s depth of knowledge and compassion for community wellbeing will continue to play a hugely valued role in the wider OCF team, acting as a strategic figurehead and advocate for our work.
Of his new appointment Monawar said: “Oxfordshire Community Foundation is a tremendous force for good in our county. With its expert local knowledge and deep understanding of our communities, OCF ensures that every pound donated delivers maximum impact. As Vice President, I am committed to championing the outstanding work of OCF and supporting its mission to strengthen and uplift Oxfordshire’s communities.”
Two new trustees have been appointed to OCF’s Board. Maddy Gazzard brings with her a wealth of philanthropic expertise, and is currently a Director at ImpactEd Philanthropy, where she provides advice and support on fundraising and giving for purpose-driven organisations.
Maddy said: “As a Trustee of OCF, I am excited about being a part of the charity’s continued journey – following its first 30 years! – to make a difference for the people and places of Oxfordshire. As a fundraiser by background, I have been really impressed by the team’s commitment to being a supportive and collaborative grantmaker, and to welcoming more organisations into the OCF community. Being a trustee is a wonderful opportunity to help shape ‘what’s next?’ with the aim of making an even greater impact locally.”
Naomi Lyons has also been appointed to the Board. With over 20 years’ experience in philanthropy, fundraising and relationship-building, Naomi currently leads Oxfam GB’s Philanthropy & Partnerships team, working with major donors and foundations to accelerate social justice.
Naomi commented: “I’m honoured to join the amazing team at the OCF as they mark 30 years of extraordinary local impact. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the inspiring grassroots organisations playing a vital role for communities across the county, and heard both about the challenges they’re facing and the importance of OCF’s support. I’ve also had the pleasure of speaking to donors who gain so much from their experience of giving through the Foundation. The way OCF places emphasis on building quality relationships and creating space to learn and connect is truly impressive. I am excited to play a small part in helping them grow from strength to strength, so that even more help is available to tackle inequalities and provide support across Oxfordshire.”
The staff leadership has been strengthened by the appointment of Kate Parrinder to the role of of Deputy Chief Executive. Following over 10 years of exemplary service to OCF, Kate steps up from her previous role as Head of Development. Kate will continue to manage donor relationships and philanthropy as well as supporting CEO, Zoe Sprigings, with the overall management of OCF.
Kate said: “I am honoured to take on more responsibility for leading OCF, an organisation I am so passionate about and committed to. Over the decade I have spent here, I have seen our scale and impact grow significantly. Now that I work more closely with our donors and funders, from individual philanthropists to businesses and trusts, I realise that in every part of our work, it’s people, relationships and mutual understanding that make our world go round. That’s what community means to me.”
Find out more about our staff, Board of Trustees, Vice Presidents and President