ABERDEEN-based autism support charity, Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND), has announced the appointment of a new Chairperson and three new members to its Board of Directors as part of a drive to reinvigorate the charity and enhance the board’s existing team.
Strengthening its internal team, the charity welcomes Global E&C CEO, Terry Allan, as Chairperson succeeding existing Chairperson, Margaret Hodder, who steps down whilst remaining on the board. The charity also welcomes new board members, Vysus Group CFO, Geoff Morrison, ThinkPR CEO, Annabel Sall, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, Shannon Babbie. As key supporters of the charity, Terry and the three new board members have already played a pivotal part in allowing A-ND to make a difference in the lives of neurodivergent individuals in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the North of Scotland.
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Hugely influential in helping the charity hit its targets of reaching more families in need of vital support, the new appointments will also help enhance A-ND’s profile across the North east of Scotland, allowing it to identify new opportunities and provide additional support to its recruitment drive and upcoming campaigns, all of which are set to contribute to the growth of the charity. The new board members will join an existing team of six other board members.
Currently supporting 150 individuals and families, A-ND is targeting to help 500 individuals and families throughout the north of Scotland by 2027.
Already involved with the charity, ThinkPR is collaborating with A-ND as event partner for its inaugural Think Different Golf Day and Dinner on Thursday 25th of May at Meldrum House, whilst Global E&C is supporting the event as a Platinum Sponsor.
Previously supporting A-ND on the refurbishment of its Aberdeen facility, Terry Allan joined the board in April 2022 having seen the vital difference the charity makes to those who use its services.
Discussing his new position on the board, Terry commented: “It’s a privilege to be appointed as the new Chairperson of A-ND. The charity has been operating for almost 35 years and is now at a critical point in its evolution. Over recent years we have seen third-sector funding become increasingly more difficult to access, which is in a backdrop of climbing demand for the incredible services that A-ND provides. The question is not whether families across the North of Scotland need support, but rather whether we have the capacity in this region to deploy that support to where it is so very needed.
I have absolute belief in the team at A-ND and in the vision set by Billy. I have experienced first-hand what they do every day, often with limited resources, and it is inspiring. We have assembled a talented and diverse Board of Directors, who I will work closely with to ensure the right infrastructure and support network is in place to help drive A-ND through what we believe will be a transformational period for the charity over the next few years – a period focusing on helping more autistic and neurodivergent people, and their families, live happier lives.”
Welcoming its new Chairperson and additions to the board, A-ND CEO, Billy Alexander said: “I am delighted to welcome Terry as our new Chairperson and our three new board members. We can already see the positive impact of the skillsets and expertise each brings and how they play a vital role in supporting us to achieve our strategic objectives through to 2027.
We have achieved great things for A-ND over the last two years thanks to some of the courageous decisions of our previous board members, and of course, the vital corporate support from Terry and his team at Global E&C over the last year.
With Terry’s strong leadership and the varied skillset from across the board and leadership team, I’m certain A-ND will move toward achieving its vision of a world of fulfilling and happy lives for those who think differently.”
