Laura Thomas Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees Expand Laura brings significant senior strategic and commercial leadership experience, most recently spending 2.5 years as Managing Director of Monitor Creative, a digital marketing agency. Her wider career includes board-level roles such as Sales Director, Marketing Director and Commercial Director, with proven success across both client-side and agency environments. Alongside her commercial career, Laura brings previous experience in the not-for-profit sector, giving her a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing purpose-led organisations and is thrilled to be a trustee of Barnabus.
Maxine Blackwell Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees Expand Maxine complements this with a highly commercial, people-focused leadership style developed across fast-paced manufacturing and retail environments. Highly motivated and exceptionally organised, she has a strong track record of delivering tangible results and influencing at board level. A respected and trusted leader, Maxine brings excellent communication skills and commitment, alongside a deep understanding of organisational operations as a true business generalist. Her experience also includes time working within social housing, where she gained valuable insight into the realities faced by individuals beyond the provision of housing alone - recognising the importance of wrap-around, end to end support
Tim Elston Treasurer Expand Tim is a partner in Percy Westhead & Company, a firm of Chartered Accountants in Manchester City Centre. He joined Barnabus as a trustee in 2013 and uses his accounting experience in his role as treasurer to provide support and advice to the board and our finance staff. Tim is married with two children and can often be found supporting at the side of a sports pitch or doing a spot of gardening. He is also treasurer of his local scout group.
Anthony Russo Trustee Expand Anthony has worked in the financial services sector for over 20 years, fulfilling a number of leadership roles. In addition to his leadership experience, he brings Barnabus expertise in commercial, transformation and operational risk disciplines. Anthony is a married father of five children and a Manchester United FC season ticket holder.
Matt Lacey Trustee Expand Matt moved to Manchester to complete a MSc in Management at Alliance Manchester Business school. Since then he has worked in a range of digital roles from start-ups through to FTSE 100 global agencies, leading teams and operating at board level. Matt brings expertise in marketing & communications, data & digital and leadership & strategy. Matt is married with a young daughter. He is a member of Vinelife Church Manchester. His hobbies include cooking, running and reading.
Steve Best Trustee Expand After 36 years with Abbey National/Santander, Steve took early retirement and has been volunteering for Barnabus since, in the Beacon and helping our van driver Alan. He is passionate about helping people off the streets, and seeking permanent solutions to their often complex problems. Steve is married with two grown up boys and four grandchildren and is a former treasurer for the Chester and Stoke District of the Methodist Church. He loves playing rock-n-roll with a local band Phoenix Boys and singing with Manchester’s very own Halle’ choir.