Meet the board

  

Parks Options are governed by a Board of Trustees; Sure Options are governed by a Board of Directors. Their wealth of experience from broad areas of the community, and expansive knowledge are valuable assets to our organisation.

Parks Options Board

Richie Keenan – Chair

After living in Kensington for 40 years, Richie’s involvement began in 1995 when he became a founding member of Parks Options Ltd. Parks Options has undergone numerous changes and challenges but remains true to its initial vision of community regeneration. Richie’s role has also developed within the organisation and he is now Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Alex Gallagher - Trustee

Alex was born and raised in the Wavertree area and attended St Anne’s School.  Currently Alex is the proprietor of the Mount Vernon Pub and has been for a number of years.  Working in this establishment has enabled Alex to secure good links within the local community, and has given him the opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds.  Over the years Alex has been heavily involved with a variety of charitable projects including helping out at the ‘For Unity Boys Club’, whilst volunteering there for over 10 years Alex helped children develop their football skills.  After becoming aware of the positive work that Parks Options undertakes within the local community, Alex was keen to become a part of the team and contribute to the good work; he was duly appointed as a Trustee in April 2011.

Norma Lee – Trustee

After working in the manufacturing industry for 20 years, Norma decided to change her career path and began working with the NHS. Norma was involved for 10 years with Kensington Regeneration, specialising in physical regeneration, and was a Board Member for Kensington Regeneration.  Norma is also the Chair of Housing & Focus Issue Group which represents the local communities’ viewpoints. In 2006, Norma was appointed as a Trustee of Parks Options, supporting its ethos to improve the positive work for the communities it serves.

Steve McElroy – Trustee

Steve was born and bred in Liverpool. After studying Chemistry and graduating with an honours Degree, Steve embarked on his teaching career. After working in numerous schools since 1975, he was appointed Deputy Head at Cardinal Heenan in 1996. In 2004, Steve helped to set up the Academy of St Francis of Assisi with Jim Burke: Steve was Vice Principal of the Academy until retiring in April 2011. When Jim Burke retired from his position as a Trustee, Steve took his place and is now a Trustee of Parks Options Ltd.

Frank Doran – Trustee

Frank has lived in the Kensington area all of his life, other than when he spent time away serving in the military. He has been involved in Resident Associations, politics, he has been the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, was an executive member of the Leisure Sports and Culture Board, is a member of the North West Regional Housing Board, and this is just to name a few. Frank became aware of the work Parks Options was undertaking and was interested in supporting their work.  After leaving the Council in May 2008, Frank was appointed as a member of Parks Options Board.

Sure Options Board

Norma Williams - Chair

Norma has been involved with Parks Options since 2004 and continues to help and change the local economics of the surrounding areas, and to open up opportunities and support through our facilities, enabling families and children alike to reach their full potential.  Norma’s role has developed within the Organisation and she now Chairs the Sure Options Board.

Lin Doyle - Vice Chair

Lin has been working as a volunteer for 18 years and moved into the community in which she works 9 years ago. She began working along side Sure Start when she became a stakeholder 4 years ago after setting up a Children’s group called Smarty’s. Smarty’s work alongside children and parents in the local community to help tackle antisocial behaviour issues. Lin joined the Sure Options Board in 2009 and looks forward to taking part having a positive impact on the local area.

Jimmy Baptista – Director

Jimmy’s career began in the building and engineering industry, after a change of career he decided to join the Citizens Panel. This lead to Jimmy becoming involved with Kensington Regeneration, where he became a Director for the Company. He was also elected Chair of the CIT (Community in Trust) in August 2008; he was then approached by Sure Options, and was invited to join their Board.

Lorraine Brown –Director

After growing up in the Dovecot area and attending Mab Lane Primary School and Yew Tree Comprehensive, Lorraine opted for a career which involved working within her local community. She currently works as a Community Development Worker in St Luke’s Community Centre, As well as regularly attending St Luke’s Church, she is also a member of the music group. Lorraine is involved in the running of a Brownie Unit, she has been involved in this particular project for 15 years, she also helps out with the Youth Group at St Luke’s. In 2009 Lorraine was appointed as a Director for Sure Options and provides a valuable input into its growing success.

Mike Edwards – Director

Mike works in the private sector in marketing, design and communications. He established and is joint Managing Director of Kaleidoscope ADM. Mike also sits on the Bank of England SME Advisory Panel for Merseyside, as a business advisor for Businesses of Arts, as well as sitting on various other Arts Boards. Mike looks forward to being able to help Sure Options reach their objectives.