Adam Gheasuddin (Chairman of the Trustees)
Appointed 14th February 2022, this is Adam’s first term as a Trustee and his first time as the Chairman for The Finchley Charities. Adam has worked as an Operations Manager for 30 years. Working for BT on their telecommunications infrastructure for the Docklands, the Metropolitan Police and TfL. Adam values community service having been a school governor as well as a youth club football coach. He has also participated in raising money for the NHS, local and international schools and for displaced people due to war. In 2018 he assisted in organising and delivering the International Human Rights Commission World Conference in London. Throughout his professional life, Adam has enjoyed building a team environment that values diversity and respect. Adam is also the Chair of the Fuel Land Allotments Committee.
Ian Anderson (Vice-Chairman of the Trustees)
Appointed 27th May 1980. Ian is a property partner at Curwens Solicitors who has worked for many years in the charity sector. He is a past Chairman of the Herts Law Society Property Committee, an Elder at Trinity Church North Finchley and a member of Finchley Chamber Choir.
Nigel Benjamin
Appointed 14th February 2022. Nigel started his career in human resources at British Gas. He then went on to lead HR in two national charities, a university and an NHS hospital. In addition he was on the Executive of English Churches Housing Group and has been a non executive board member for Watford Community Housing Group for the last eight years. Nigel is a Chartered Director and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Roger Chapman
Appointed 31st August 1994. Roger has lived in East Finchley for nearly 40 years, he worked as a professional town planner for over 35 years. He is active in the several local community and voluntary sector groups that include Friends of Cherry Tree Wood, HADAS (Hendon and District Archaeological Society) the archaeological society for Barnet and for London Green Wood and Abney Park Cemetery. Roger provides an extensive range of experience and understanding of the sector and the services we offer.
The Reverend Philip Davison
Appointed 24th November 2008. Philip is Rector at St Mary-at-Finchley, the historic Parish of Finchley, which was instrumental in the founding of The Finchley Charities. For this reason, the Rector is an Ex-Officio Trustee. He has been a trustee of other charities dedicated to the relief of those in need. The Parish of Finchley remains committed to the well-being of all the people of Finchley. Philip is the Chair of the Housing and Support Services Committee.
Susanna Morales
Appointed 14th February 2022. Susanna was born and raised in the Finchley area and still lives locally. She has worked in the affordable housing and construction sector for over 15 years and is currently a development and modern methods of construction. She was previously a project manager and employer’s agent at a construction consultancy. In her spare time, Susanna enjoys travelling and eating with family and friends.
Richard Merrin
Appointed 17th May 2021. Richard has deep roots in Barnet, with a long connection to the area. With family in East Finchley, it is an area he knows well having lived there himself for well over a decade. His background is in marketing and communications, working with and for many well-known companies.
Graham Old
Appointed 12th February 2018. Graham has lived in East Finchley for 32 years. He worked as a management accountant in the City and subsequently as a tax inspector. He was elected to Barnet Council in 2010 having previously served for 8 years as a Councillor in Merton. Graham is the Chair of the Finance and IT Committee.
Michael Pughsley
Appointed 14th February 2022. Michael has been a senior leader for a number of years and is currently Director of Asset Management and Development in a North London housing association. He has 30 years experience in social housing working strategically and operationally in housing management, supported housing, asset services and development for registered providers as well as the public sector. He also has wide and current experience of consultancy and training work in the sector. Michael is the Chair of the Property Services Committee.
Leila Satar
Appointed 14th February 2022. Leila is originally from Mauritius and has been living in the UK since the 1990’s. She is a qualified accountant and has been working for different organisations throughout her career including the housing sector. She is currently employed at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing association as a senior management accountant.
Cllr. Daniel Thomas
Appointed 12th June 2006. Cllr Daniel Thomas was elected to Barnet Council in the same year, representing Finchley Church End. Cllr Thomas was Leader of Barnet Council from 2019 to 2022 and prior to this has overseen the council’s environment services, finance and regeneration. In business, Cllr Thomas has worked in finance since 2002 and been with Lloyds Banking Group since 2018.
Chinyere Ugwu
Appointed 14th February 2022. Chinyere has extensive experience working in various executive and board positions in Housing, Community Development/Engagement and Customer Services. This includes 6 years as CEO of Hillside Housing Trust and Chair of Catalyst Housing Charitable Trust. More recently she was the Vice Chair of Westway Housing Association and Director of Community and Customer Relations for Homes for Haringey. Chinyere is passionate about working collaboratively with organisations and communities in helping people realize their best potential.