Our Board Members
Joining the Board
We currently have rewarding non-executive and committee member opportunities available and would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to contribute to Hansel’s governance role.
We are particularly interested in (but not exclusively looking for) people with significant experience, understanding and/or strong networks within:
- Communications and PR
- Construction and professional services
- Employment and employability
- Fundraising
- Investment management
- Public sector
- Social Care
- Social Enterprise
We would especially welcome individuals with experience as a carer; as a parent, sibling or with other family connections. The role of a Board or Co-opted Committee member is voluntary and unpaid other than reimbursement of approved travel costs or associated expenses.
If interested in expressing a wish to join the Hansel non-executive team please make contact in the first instance with Gerry Lindsay, Managing Director to request an information pack or arrange an informal chat. Alternatively, please leave your contact details with our reception on 01563 830340 and Gerry will return your call.
Our Board Members

Lisa Neilson
Chair of Hansel Foundation and Alliance Board Member
Lisa joined the Hansel Alliance Board in 2020 and became Hansel Foundation Chair in December 2021. Lisa is a member of the Fundraising & Communications Committee and also the Hansel 3e Committee. Lisa holds a BSc (Hons) MSc in Forensic Science and after starting her career in science she is now the Financial Director of the Kilmarnock based interior and fit-out company, Worksmart.

Jim McIntyre
Chair of Hansel Alliance and Foundation Board Member
Jim has 40 years’ experience in the banking industry and has been Regional Director for Royal Bank of Scotland Corporate & Commercial Banking in the West of Scotland for the past 15 years. He joined Hansel Foundation and Hansel Alliance Boards in 2019 and took over as Chair of Hansel Alliance in December 2020. Jim is Chair of the Fundraising & Communications Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. Jim has lived in Ayr for the past 30 years.
Other Board Members
David G Chalmers FCMA
Foundation and Alliance Member
David has had a long career most recently as UK Group Finance Director and Company Secretary of UPM-Kymmene (UK) Ltd. Now semi-retired, David wishes to contribute to organisations which he believes add significant value to local people. David is a director of both Hansel Foundation and Hansel Alliance, as well as being Audit Committee Chairman and a member of the Facilities and Maintenance Committee.
Adam Currie
Foundation and Alliance Member
Adam runs an independent legal practice in Ayrshire specialising in conveyancing, wills and powers of attorney, and has served on Hansel Boards since the early 1990’s. Adam chairs the organisation’s People, Policy & Remuneration Committee, and provides pro bono legal support and advice in matters relating to property transactions.
Ruth Dorman
Foundation Member
Ruth is an accomplished and experienced Chief Executive and a health and social care professional who has worked in both the public and not for profit sector. She has contributed to several third sector and statutory agency boards and committees including The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland and Scottish Rural Health Partnership Steering Group. She is currently a director of Hansel Foundation.
Robert Dow
Foundation Member
Robert joined the Hansel Foundation Board in 2018. Robert is a member of the Facilities and Maintenance Committee, binging with him years of experience working as an Engineer and Manager with GSK. In 2019, Robert and a number of his GSK colleagues volunteered at the Broadmeadows Estate to reinstate the woodland path.
Dr Robert Reekie
Foundation Member
Dr Robert Reekie is Vice-Chair of Hansel Foundation, having joined the Board of Directors in 2020. He is a member of the People, Policy and Remuneration, as well as the Facilities and Maintenance Committees and Chair of the Appointments Committee. After working in the NHS as a medical practitioner, he joined the pharmaceutical industry before moving into senior management, ultimately as Chief Operating Officer of large international organisations developing new medicines.
Colin Young
Alliance Member
Colin joined the Alliance Board in December 2019 and is a member of the Audit and 3e Committees. His role uses experience of Risk and Governance to provide independent oversight on the governance of Hansel and proposed initiatives, focusing on long-term goals and the strategic direction of Hansel.
Gerry Lindsay
Managing Director
Our Managing Director, Gerry Lindsay, is the sole executive member of both Boards.