North-east charity, Charlie House, has strengthened its board by appointing experienced accountant Sheena Anderson and construction professional Roddy Mitchell as trustees.
The new additions bring not only a wealth of skills that enhance the board's knowledge, but determination to ramp up the progress of the charity’s Big Build Appeal, an initiative to develop a dedicated support centre in the North-east for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Retired chartered accountant Sheena Anderson is a founding partner of Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB) and is an expert in taxation, particularly for private client and business tax. With more than 35 years of experience in the field, Sheena’s background will be hugely influential for the charity’s financial strategy as the Big Build continues to work towards its £8m target.
Extremely passionate about the third sector and non-profit organisations, Sheena also has a vast array of experience that aligns with Charlie House’s ethos, having supported the Prince’s Trust, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Robert Gordon University and local Rotary Clubs as well as holding treasurer positions for fundraising events. Additionally, Sheena is also chair of the Anderson Anderson & Brown Charitable Initiative (AABIE).
Following a career spanning 35 years in the construction industry, Roddy Mitchell retired from MTM Construction in December 2020 where he specialised in civil engineering and building contracting work before ending his career as a construction director.
Boasting immense knowledge across all areas of construction-based project management and having experienced a great number of build completions, Roddy’s skillset and determination will be integral in progressing the development of a physical Charlie House support centre.
Founder of Charlie House, Tracy Johnstone said: “Myself and the wider board are thrilled to welcome Sheena and Roddy to the team.
“When looking for new board members, we consider specific skills that we may require to help with the charity's strategy, as well as a passion for charitable work and of course time that can be dedicated to help with our mission.
“Both Sheena and Roddy bring incredible professional experience and invaluable expertise, which is vital to help progress the next stages of our Big Build Appeal.”
Made up of nine members, the Charlie House board includes individuals from various career backgrounds, ensuring there is knowledge across the legal, medical and financial fields, as well as the third sector.
Sheena and Roddy will join seven other board members as trustees: Tracy Johnstone, Charlie House founder and full time carer, Karen Molloy, director of TMM Recruitment, Shona McAskill, chartered financial planner, Alan Pilkington, retired health and social care professional, Jennifer Young, solicitor and chair of Ledingham Chalmers, Kerry Jack, general practitioner and Joanne Jamieson, full time carer.
The new appointments also follow the retirement of long-standing trustee, Carol Eddie, who served on the board for 10 years.
Tracy added: “On behalf of everyone at Charlie House, I’d like to thank Carol for all of her guidance over the last 10 years to the charity.
“Carol has been with us from the very beginning, helping the charity develop from an initial idea to actually delivering services that support children and their families. We all wish her the best of luck for her future endeavours.”
Charlie House launched the Big Build Appeal with a target of £8m to raise. The current fundraising efforts total more than £4m and the charity recently launched the Buy a Brick campaign to help raise money for the appeal.
To find out more about the Buy a Brick campaign and how you can help Charlie House build a dedicated support centre , visit Buy a Brick for Charlie House - Aberdeen
