Board members
Maxine Smith: Board Chair
Maxine joined the Board in 2005 and was appointed as Chair of the Board in 2019, and re-elected in 2020. She is a local businesswoman and Highland Councillor for Cromarty Firth and has a long term interest in volunteering for her community. Maxine joined the Board due to her passion for making a positive difference to people’s lives.
Maxine is a member of the Staffing, Health, Safety and Environment Committee and the Performance Committee.
Carl Patching: Board Vice-Chair
Carl joined the Board in 2020. Carl has a wealth of experience in delivering business change in both the public and private sectors. With many years at a senior level in consulting and outsourcing, he has devised and developed strategies both within organisations and consultancy, along with the responsibility for the delivery of effective outcomes. Carl is eager to help Albyn develop and deliver on its strategy for the benefit of members.
Carl is a member of the Staffing, Health, Safety, and Environment Committee.
Ian Fosbrooke: Company Secretary
Ian joined the board in 2016 after originally serving as a Tenant Representative on the Performance Committee, and served as Vice-Chair in 2019. Ian brings experience from a varied career including project management gained from working offshore, within the construction industry and in hospitality. Ian is passionate about encouraging more tenant members to join the board.
Ian is a member of the Staffing, Health, Safety, and Environment Committee.
Jim Convery
Jim joined Albyn’s board in 2004 and is Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and a member of the Performance Committee. Jim spent his career in public sector audit and brings experience in audit, governance, risk management and financial management and reporting to the board. Jim holds a MA (hons) in Economics and Accounting and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Jim is committed seeing the Society achieve our vision whilst helping to ensure that the Society is well governed and exercises prudent financial management.
Jim is Chair of the Audit & Risk Management Committee and member of the Performance Committee.
Donna Smith
Donna joined the Board in 2019 and is a local businesswoman who is committed to making a difference to people both within a work environment and out. She has experience in IT, corporate governance, corporate planning, performance management and business improvement. Donna is passionate in using her skills in a community-focused environment and supporting Albyn's work providing sustainable, affordable housing in the Highlands.
Donna is Chair of the Staffing, Health, Safety & Environment Committee and Vice Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.
Raymond Bremner
Raymond joined the Board in 2019 and is a Councillor for Wick and East Caithness. He has a background in senior management in the private sector, HR and Internal & Lead Auditing in Quality Assurance. Raymond is heavily involved in the tourism sector and the third sector. In his spare time, he is a musician, and music director of two national championship choirs.
Raymond is a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.
Isabell McLaughlin
Isabell re-joined the Board in 2020, having previously held a Board and Chairing rolls both with Albyn and other organisations, and working closely with Boards, Staff, and tenants. Isabell says, "housing is the most important aspect of communities. Good housing aids good health and well being, helping communities and families to thrive.
Isabell is a member of the Performance Committee.
Clea Warner
Clea joined the Board in 2020. Clea has more than two decades of transformational leadership experience within the charity sector which includes leading the strategic development of an extensive property portfolio. Clea brings with her extensive experience of balancing challenging business and charitable objectives, driving innovation and profitable growth for causes she is passionate about.
Clea is Chair of the Performance Committee and a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.
Nicola Drummond
Nicola joined the Board in 2020.
Nicola is a member of the Performance Committee and Staffing, Health, Safety, and Environment Committee.
Fiona Mustarde
Fiona joined the Board in 2020. Fiona is a finance professional with experience spanning a range of public sector bodies, including local authorities, health and education. A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, she is keen to utilise her skills and experience for the benefit of Highland communities.
Fiona is a member of the Performance and Audit and Risk Management Committee.
David Cargill: Albyn Enterprises Ltd Board Member
David joined our AEL Board in 2020. David is a housing professional and holds qualifications in Building Engineering, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying and a Post Graduate Diploma in Housing Studies. He brings experience of managing and leading teams to achieve success.