Our People
Our talented people go above and beyond every day to serve our customers - we have over 720 full and part-time employees working across the length and breadth of Scotland. Our teams are led and supported by an experienced Executive Team and Board.
Tell us something about yourself?
Having spent much of my working life in other parts of the United Kingdom I was delighted to return to Scotland in 2013 to be closer to early years friends and family. I live in Stirling with my two beloved Bernese Mountain dogs.
Rhona McLeod
Chief Executive
Rhona is a motivational leader with highly developed change management skills and proven expertise in developing and implementing strategies that drive performance improvement and growth in complex environments. Rhona has worked in different sectors across her career including ten years in health and care.
Rhona joined Trust as CEO in 2015 and has brought strong stakeholder management skills and a passion for developing high performing individuals and teams. Rhona has also been a non executive director in the housing sector.
Rhona joined Trust as CEO in 2015 and has brought strong stakeholder management skills and a passion for developing high performing individuals and teams. Rhona has also been a non executive director in the housing sector.
Tell us something about yourself?
Having spent much of my working life in other parts of the United Kingdom I was delighted to return to Scotland in 2013 to be closer to early years friends and family. I live in Stirling with my two beloved Bernese Mountain dogs.
Tell us something about yourself?
I live by the sea in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland and spend a lot of my spare time walking, cycling and generally enjoying the beautiful coastline. I also enjoy listening to music and attending live concerts and festivals.
Jackie McIntosh
Director of Assets & Sustainability
Jackie is an experienced leader, skilled in partnership working, strategy, programme delivery and managing change. Jackie has specialist knowledge and experience in affordable housing development, regeneration and asset management, having spent most of her career working in the public sector built environment.
Jackie joined Trust in 2021 and in her current role leads on Assets & Sustainability for the organisation, including new build, remodelling, housing investment, repairs & maintenance, compliance, health & safety, energy and the green agenda. Jackie has also previously been a non executive director of both housing association and housebuilding industry boards.
Jackie joined Trust in 2021 and in her current role leads on Assets & Sustainability for the organisation, including new build, remodelling, housing investment, repairs & maintenance, compliance, health & safety, energy and the green agenda. Jackie has also previously been a non executive director of both housing association and housebuilding industry boards.
Tell us something about yourself?
I live by the sea in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland and spend a lot of my spare time walking, cycling and generally enjoying the beautiful coastline. I also enjoy listening to music and attending live concerts and festivals.
Tell us something about yourself?
I'm a city boy with a love for the islands - most of my childhood was spent between Glasgow, Orkney and Iona. I now live in Edinburgh with my partner and two boys.
Neil Ferguson
Director of Business Development & Digital
Neil's a modern leader and strategic thinker with a succesful track record of delivering positive change and improvements for customers and organisations across the social housing, public and private sectors, with specialist knowledge and expertise around leadership, strategy, change management, transformation and technology.
Neil joined Trust in 2013 and has been a member of the Executive Team since 2019. In his current role, Neil leads on a number of corporate support services including strategy development, strategic partnerships, technology, data, service design and brand management. Neil has also acted as a non-executive director on a number of boards.
Neil joined Trust in 2013 and has been a member of the Executive Team since 2019. In his current role, Neil leads on a number of corporate support services including strategy development, strategic partnerships, technology, data, service design and brand management. Neil has also acted as a non-executive director on a number of boards.
Tell us something about yourself?
I'm a city boy with a love for the islands - most of my childhood was spent between Glasgow, Orkney and Iona. I now live in Edinburgh with my partner and two boys.
Tell us something about yourself?
I love living by the sea and am always keen on getting involved with activities, particularly in my local community. I often borrow my neighbours and friends dogs to walk on the beach and have discovered the joy of paddle boarding.
Jenny Wallace
Director of Customer Experience
Jenny’s passion for people and 20 years of expertise from across the housing and health & social care sectors has driven her success in leading agile teams to deliver excellent services that make a difference to people’s lives.
Jenny joined Trust in 2008 and has worked in various roles across the Customer Experience team, taking on her current role of Director of Customer Experience in 2023. Jenny thrives on building strong relationships with others to influence and negotiate strategic solutions for business growth and development, focusing on affordability and an excellent experience for customers and colleagues.
Jenny joined Trust in 2008 and has worked in various roles across the Customer Experience team, taking on her current role of Director of Customer Experience in 2023. Jenny thrives on building strong relationships with others to influence and negotiate strategic solutions for business growth and development, focusing on affordability and an excellent experience for customers and colleagues.
Tell us something about yourself?
I love living by the sea and am always keen on getting involved with activities, particularly in my local community. I often borrow my neighbours and friends dogs to walk on the beach and have discovered the joy of paddle boarding.
Tell us something about yourself?
I love to see the world, but always enjoy returning to Edinburgh where I have chosen to set up home with my husband and daughter.
Zoe Purdie
Director of Finance & People
Zoe is a qualified Chartered Accountant who has operated at Director level for many years. Commercially focused and operationally astute, Zoe is passionate about safeguarding Trust’s financial stability and building resilience to ensure the organisation can provide customers with safe and affordable homes for the long-term, whilst upholding Trust’s culture and values as a people centred organisation.
Zoe joined Trust in June 2020. As a member of the Exec team, Zoe contributes to the overall leadership and strategic direction of the organisation, with day to day responsibility for the finance, people and procurement teams together with corporate risk & assurance.
Zoe joined Trust in June 2020. As a member of the Exec team, Zoe contributes to the overall leadership and strategic direction of the organisation, with day to day responsibility for the finance, people and procurement teams together with corporate risk & assurance.
Tell us something about yourself?
I love to see the world, but always enjoy returning to Edinburgh where I have chosen to set up home with my husband and daughter.
Tell us something about yourself?
I joined Trust as part of 'giving back'; my mother was a tenant of a housing association. Life now revolves around family, not least grandchildren, and my hyperactive cocker spaniel.
Dr Norval Bryson
Chair
Norval is a qualified actuary and worked at a senior leadership level in the private sector in roles such as managing director and finance director. Norval has expertise in accounting, actuarial, internal audit, strategic planning and corporate development.
He also has extensive experience serving on boards across different sectors including St. Andrews University Court, the Investors Trust for the Church of Scotland and was appointed by the Chancellor as an external member of one of the three Bank of England Committees. Norval also served as Chair of the St. Columba's Hospice Board. Norval was appointed to the Trust Board in 2021 and appointed as Chair in 2022.
He also has extensive experience serving on boards across different sectors including St. Andrews University Court, the Investors Trust for the Church of Scotland and was appointed by the Chancellor as an external member of one of the three Bank of England Committees. Norval also served as Chair of the St. Columba's Hospice Board. Norval was appointed to the Trust Board in 2021 and appointed as Chair in 2022.
Tell us something about yourself?
I joined Trust as part of 'giving back'; my mother was a tenant of a housing association. Life now revolves around family, not least grandchildren, and my hyperactive cocker spaniel.
Tell us something about yourself?
On a personal note, I am married with four grown up children and I love to spend my free time enjoying hill walking, cycling and golf.
David Knight
Vice Chair
David brings years of experience from Divisional and Regional Managing Director roles in the housing sector, running a number of large building companies. David has expertise across asset management, business strategy, leadership, governance, performance and internal controls.
David served as a Board member for both Homes for Scotland and the National House Building Council. He joined the Trust board in 2021 and was appointed as Vice Chair in 2025, after a two-year spell as Vice Convenor of the Audit & Performance Committee.
David served as a Board member for both Homes for Scotland and the National House Building Council. He joined the Trust board in 2021 and was appointed as Vice Chair in 2025, after a two-year spell as Vice Convenor of the Audit & Performance Committee.
Tell us something about yourself?
On a personal note, I am married with four grown up children and I love to spend my free time enjoying hill walking, cycling and golf.
Tell us something about yourself?
I have a keen interest in football, music and reading, whilst maximising time spent with my four young grandchildren. Exhausting but really rewarding!
Paul McFarlane
Board Member
Paul brings significant experience to the Board from working in Senior Management roles within 'Sales and Marketing' for over 30 years. Paul is target driven, with expertise in sales and marketing, as well as business development, management and assessing business viability. Paul has hands on experience in forecasting, business strategy, recruitment, project management and budgetary control. Paul brings a different perspective and a real focus on delivering value for money.
Paul joined the Board in 2016.
Paul joined the Board in 2016.
Tell us something about yourself?
I have a keen interest in football, music and reading, whilst maximising time spent with my four young grandchildren. Exhausting but really rewarding!
Tell us something about yourself?
I love to golf and and play tennis. I am the Tennis Club Secretary and in my spare time I also act as a simulated patient for Edinburgh-medical school.
Ali Ross
Board Member & Sub Committee Convenor
Ali spent over 30 years in the Banking sector, holding a number of senior leadership roles and most recently worked in risk management. Ali has significant financial and risk analysis expertise, alongside experience in compliance, change management and strategic planning. Ali brings a measured and thoughtful approach, simplifying the complex and providing clarity in decision making to ensure great customer outcomes.
Ali joined the Trust Board in 2019 and was appointed as the Vice Convenor of the Audit and Performance Committee in 2021. She was subsequently appointed as Convenor in Sept 2023.
Ali joined the Trust Board in 2019 and was appointed as the Vice Convenor of the Audit and Performance Committee in 2021. She was subsequently appointed as Convenor in Sept 2023.
Tell us something about yourself?
I love to golf and and play tennis. I am the Tennis Club Secretary and in my spare time I also act as a simulated patient for Edinburgh-medical school.
Tell us something about yourself?
In my personal life, I am married with three children and two labradors. I love spending time with my family and we enjoy sailing and golfing together while the dogs share our passion for hillwalking.
Graham Curran
Board Member
Graham is a highly experienced Chief Information Officer and non-executive director, with over 30 years' experience of delivering technology transformation and strategic leadership across public and private sector organisations. Although recently retired from his role as Transformation Director at a global technology firm, Graham continues to advise the UK and Scottish Governments on major digital projects while leading a new AI tech start-up.
Graham brings valuable expertise in digital transformation, governance, and strategic oversight to the Board, with a proven track record of supporting organisations across private, public, and third sectors. His commitment to causes that deliver meaningful public benefit aligns closely with the housing association's mission to provide quality homes and services to communities. Graham joined the Board in 2023.
Graham brings valuable expertise in digital transformation, governance, and strategic oversight to the Board, with a proven track record of supporting organisations across private, public, and third sectors. His commitment to causes that deliver meaningful public benefit aligns closely with the housing association's mission to provide quality homes and services to communities. Graham joined the Board in 2023.
Tell us something about yourself?
In my personal life, I am married with three children and two labradors. I love spending time with my family and we enjoy sailing and golfing together while the dogs share our passion for hillwalking.
Tell us something about yourself?
I enjoy dining out with my wife, family and friends. We have two grown up children and love to help out with our two grandchildren. I also enjoy going to the gym, walking, reading and photography.
Steve McGowan
Board Member
Steve retired in 2022 from a long and rewarding career in housing. For over 40 years he worked for Glasgow City Council in a range of roles spanning housing management, development, strategy and policy. Steve brings to the Board a depth of knowledge and understanding of housing issues and the challenges that are faced by the Sector.
Steve Joined the Board in 2022.
Steve Joined the Board in 2022.
Tell us something about yourself?
I enjoy dining out with my wife, family and friends. We have two grown up children and love to help out with our two grandchildren. I also enjoy going to the gym, walking, reading and photography.
Tell us something about yourself?
I have been an avid fan of Scottish rugby for almost 50 years and also have a keen interest in live music and enjoy cooking. Trust is a fantastic organisation to be involved in and I hope to play a part in its continuing success.
Ian Mitchelmore
Board Member
lan had a lengthy and successful career in finance and has been involved in economic development through roles at the Scottish Investment Bank and more recently British Business Bank (BBB). As a result of the combination of his commercial experience and latterly public sector driven work, Ian brings a valuable contribution to the Board.
Ian also sits on the Board of Social Investment Scotland which provides finance and business support for social enterprises, charities and community groups. Ian joined the Board in 2022.
Ian also sits on the Board of Social Investment Scotland which provides finance and business support for social enterprises, charities and community groups. Ian joined the Board in 2022.
Tell us something about yourself?
I have been an avid fan of Scottish rugby for almost 50 years and also have a keen interest in live music and enjoy cooking. Trust is a fantastic organisation to be involved in and I hope to play a part in its continuing success.
Tell us something about yourself?
All my working life I have tried to make life that “ bit better” for people, I very much appreciate being on Trust board as a voice for my fellow tenants. I recently joined a gardening group and I am amazed to find I have green fingers.
Mary Niven
Board Member
Mary has extensive experience in housing at different levels both as a Trust tenant and previously as a Trust employee. Mary started her career working in Leverndale hospital before joining Trust in 1995, working at both our Pollok and Caldercruix development. Mary brings a depth of knowledge and understanding of housing issues and the challenges that are faced by the Sector, both as a tenant and as an employee.
Mary joined the Board in 2022 and is also the Chair of Trust's Customer Panel.
Mary joined the Board in 2022 and is also the Chair of Trust's Customer Panel.
Tell us something about yourself?
All my working life I have tried to make life that “ bit better” for people, I very much appreciate being on Trust board as a voice for my fellow tenants. I recently joined a gardening group and I am amazed to find I have green fingers.
Tell us something about yourself?
Outside of work I spend most of my time with family - my wife, daughter Hallie and golden labrador! When not running around after them, I enjoy 7-a-side football, the odd game of Padel Tennis and socialising with friends.
Kyle Ruparelia
Board Member
Kyle is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAS) and currently works as a Regional Finance Director for CALA Homes, Kyle brings key expertise to the Board in financial planning & control, data analysis, strategy development and supporting positive business change.
Kyle is passionate about supporting and developing others, he is a qualified mental health first aider and also a workplace mentor as well as a mentor for Career Ready Scotland.
Kyle joined the Board in 2021.
Kyle is passionate about supporting and developing others, he is a qualified mental health first aider and also a workplace mentor as well as a mentor for Career Ready Scotland.
Kyle joined the Board in 2021.
Tell us something about yourself?
Outside of work I spend most of my time with family - my wife, daughter Hallie and golden labrador! When not running around after them, I enjoy 7-a-side football, the odd game of Padel Tennis and socialising with friends.
Tell us something about yourself?
Italian by origin, I have been living abroad since 2009. I moved to Edinburgh in 2011, and I fell in love with Scotland with her magnificent landscapes and friendly people. In my spare time, I love reading, running, cycling, and hiking. I recently started drawing again, and I really enjoy it, even if the final result isn't always what I'd hoped!
Laura Bornatici
Board Member
Laura brings more than 20 years of experience working in the energy industry, including oil and gas, as well as renewables, carbon capture and storage, and mining. She brings key expertise as Trust develops its Sustainability Strategy under ‘Time to Go Green’.
Laura also brings experience in management, stakeholder engagement, project management and business development. She is excited to join the Trust Board and feels that she has more time and the expertise to give back to the community.
Laura also brings experience in management, stakeholder engagement, project management and business development. She is excited to join the Trust Board and feels that she has more time and the expertise to give back to the community.
Tell us something about yourself?
Italian by origin, I have been living abroad since 2009. I moved to Edinburgh in 2011, and I fell in love with Scotland with her magnificent landscapes and friendly people. In my spare time, I love reading, running, cycling, and hiking. I recently started drawing again, and I really enjoy it, even if the final result isn't always what I'd hoped!
Tell us something about yourself?
I'm an avid lover of the outdoors as it offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. In my spare time, I often climb hills with my two miniature schnauzers Ella and Ruby, or wild swimming in lochs.
Sharron Elsdon
Board Member
Sharron Elsdon is a highly experienced housing professional with over 19 years in the public sector, specialising in homelessness prevention, financial inclusion, and customer services. As Homelessness Manager at Scottish Borders Council, she leads strategic efforts to prevent and address homelessness across the region, working closely with neighbouring local authorities, housing providers, and third-sector organisations to deliver sustainable, person-centred housing solutions.
Sharron is widely recognised for her compassionate leadership, evidence-based service design, and commitment to early intervention and prevention. Her work ensures that individuals and families at risk of homelessness receive timely, effective, and dignified support. With a career grounded in cross-sector collaboration, policy development, and frontline service delivery, her insights and leadership are instrumental in shaping regional responses to housing insecurity and influencing broader housing strategies.
Sharron joined the Board in 2023 to help shape policy and strategy that affect vulnerable populations promoting stability, wellbeing, and opportunity for all tenants, particularly those facing housing insecurity.
Sharron is widely recognised for her compassionate leadership, evidence-based service design, and commitment to early intervention and prevention. Her work ensures that individuals and families at risk of homelessness receive timely, effective, and dignified support. With a career grounded in cross-sector collaboration, policy development, and frontline service delivery, her insights and leadership are instrumental in shaping regional responses to housing insecurity and influencing broader housing strategies.
Sharron joined the Board in 2023 to help shape policy and strategy that affect vulnerable populations promoting stability, wellbeing, and opportunity for all tenants, particularly those facing housing insecurity.
Tell us something about yourself?
I'm an avid lover of the outdoors as it offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. In my spare time, I often climb hills with my two miniature schnauzers Ella and Ruby, or wild swimming in lochs.
Tell us something about yourself?
I was motivated to join Trust because it operates in an area that offers significant social benefit and it has adopted an interesting ethos and culture which it extends to both customers and employees.
James Black
Board Member
James brings 40 years of commercial experience in the oil and gas, chemicals and energy transition industries and established a leading commercial consultancy.
James has significant experience at a senior level in business strategy, project delivery, complex negotiations and asset management. James is delivery focussed and adopts a considerate and logical approach whilst seeking to ensure that decisions address key stakeholder’s interests.
James joined the Board in 2025.
James has significant experience at a senior level in business strategy, project delivery, complex negotiations and asset management. James is delivery focussed and adopts a considerate and logical approach whilst seeking to ensure that decisions address key stakeholder’s interests.
James joined the Board in 2025.
Tell us something about yourself?
I was motivated to join Trust because it operates in an area that offers significant social benefit and it has adopted an interesting ethos and culture which it extends to both customers and employees.
Tell us something about yourself?
Outside work, my two boisterous girls and even more boisterous dog keep me and my husband very busy! I love music, regularly singing and playing guitar and ukulele. I recently took up running so can also be found plodding along in my fluorescent trainers when I’m not reading legal papers or being a mum taxi.
Laura Cameron
Board Member
Originally hailing from Orkney, Laura moved to the “bright lights” of Aberdeen to study law in 2005. In her current role, Laura is an investments lawyer with Coutts & Co. Her key practice areas are Investment Funds & Sustainability.
Laura is passionate about social equality and volunteers with several initiatives. Most recently she has joined the Scotland Board of Women in Banking & Finance, and supports the charity Future Asset as a coach.
Laura joined the Board in 2025 and brings her legal and financial services skills as well as a keen awareness of sustainability considerations, having supplemented her on the job experience with a CFA Society qualification in ESG Investing in February 2025.
Laura is passionate about social equality and volunteers with several initiatives. Most recently she has joined the Scotland Board of Women in Banking & Finance, and supports the charity Future Asset as a coach.
Laura joined the Board in 2025 and brings her legal and financial services skills as well as a keen awareness of sustainability considerations, having supplemented her on the job experience with a CFA Society qualification in ESG Investing in February 2025.
Tell us something about yourself?
Outside work, my two boisterous girls and even more boisterous dog keep me and my husband very busy! I love music, regularly singing and playing guitar and ukulele. I recently took up running so can also be found plodding along in my fluorescent trainers when I’m not reading legal papers or being a mum taxi.
Tell us something about yourself?
On a personal note, I am the single mother of four almost grown-up children. I enjoy distance running, travelling, cooking and spending time with my friends and family. I am always on the go.
Katherine Wainwright
Board Member
Katherine is currently the Director of People and Culture at Scottish Autism and brings to the board expertise in leading and shaping people strategies and work cultures, national workforce matters, collaboration, anti-discriminatory practice, community development and organisational change projects.
She has over 20 years of strategic leadership experience in social care, the voluntary sector, social enterprise, consultancy and a variety of voluntary board roles.
Katherine is committed to giving her time and skills for social good and wants to join the board to contribute to Trust, to 'give back' and to learn. Katherine joined the Board in 2025.
She has over 20 years of strategic leadership experience in social care, the voluntary sector, social enterprise, consultancy and a variety of voluntary board roles.
Katherine is committed to giving her time and skills for social good and wants to join the board to contribute to Trust, to 'give back' and to learn. Katherine joined the Board in 2025.
Tell us something about yourself?
On a personal note, I am the single mother of four almost grown-up children. I enjoy distance running, travelling, cooking and spending time with my friends and family. I am always on the go.