Board Members
last updated
20/01/2012 15:54
The governing body of the Society is made up of individual members. At its annual general meeting it elects the Board.
The Board has a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 12 members. The Board holds 10 meetings a year, including two strategy days. Members of the Board are offered continuing training to enable them to exercise their responsibilities for the governance and accountability of the Society effectively. Members are elected for three years. Approximately five places are open for election each year.
The Board has responsibility for the strategic management of the Society, and considers reports on future developments, policy & procedures and performance achievements. It has seven committees: Audit, Disciplinary, Staff Consultative Forum, Performance, Health & Safety, Job Evaluation and Complaints.
Information about our current Board is listed below.
Isabell McLaughlan: Chairperson
I joined the Committee as it was then in 1996 following the first stock transfer in 1993 and became involved in tenant groups. I have our tenants' interests at heart, which is why I serve on the Board. I also represent individual groups at national level. I was voted Board Chairperson at the Annual General Meeting in August 2011.
Sheena Slimon: Vice-Chairperson
I joined the Committee in September 2009. I am a retired Highland Councillor who stood down in 2007. I was also Vice Chair of Housing and Social Work with my responsibility mainly accruing in Housing. I was voted Vice-Chairperson at the Annual General Meeting in August 2011.
George Kelman: Secretary
I have been a member for over 22 years. I was asked to join because of my experience of being a local shop owner and because of my interest in housing, I have remained a member, despite recently retiring from business. I also acted as Albyn’s Company Secretary for a long time. I was voted Secretary at the Annual General Meeting in August 2011.
Ella MacRae
I been a Member for over 20 years and joined because I was on the Housing Committee of the District Council. Two members of Albyn Committee approached me and asked if I wanted to join. As I was so interested in housing, I agreed to do so. I was Chairperson from 2007 until 2010 when I stepped down due to other commitments. I remain a committed Board Member.
Jim Oag
Some 25 years ago, I was a member of Caithness District Council. I was approached by Albyn and asked to join the then Committee. With my interest in housing issues I have remained a member.
Jim Convery
I joined as a Member in 2004. My background is as a Chartered Accountant and I was co-opted on to provide financial expertise.
Maxine Smith
I joined the Board because I have an interest in housing issues and was involved in tenant participation groups. I am also a Highland Councillor for Cromarty Firth Ward. I joined in August 2007.
Maureen Cairney
After the stock transfer in 1996 I became involved in tenant groups which led to me joining the then Committee in 2003. I have our tenants’ interests at heart, which is why I serve on the Board. I also represent individual groups at national level.
Bryan Summerfield
I have been a member of the Board for 10 years. I am a tenant of Albyn’s and was originally the representative for the tenants on the then Committee. My membership progressed from there.
Christina Cameron
I joined the Board over 13 years ago. A Committee member approached me and asked if I would like to join. I agreed that because I was interested in housing issues I would like to become a member of the then Committee.
Gavin Sinclair
I am an Easter Ross-based former company lawyer who has over 25 years' international experience of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, contracting, litigation, and dispute resolution. I have worked in Europe, the Former Soviet Union, Africa, the US, Latin America, India and the Far East. I started my career as a commercial lawyer with the Highlands & Islands Development Board before moving south to work in the oil industry. In 2005 I moved back to Scotland and have specialised in advising organisations on anti-corruption compliance. I contacted Albyn following a Board member recruitment drive in April 2011. Following an interview process I was elected to the Board at the Annual General Meeting in August 2011.
Douglas Russell
I am a lawyer and farmer living in Fearn. I recognise the importance of good quality housing to help maintain and develop sustainable communities in the Highlands. I thought that Albyn were well positioned and very successful at what they do. I was delighted to accept their offer of a Board position when they were recruiting. I was voted on to the Board at Albyn's Annual General Meeting in August 2011.
