Our Directors come from different backgrounds with a common interest in the community of Alyth.
Kevin Coe: Before retiring in 2016, Kevin spent more than 35 years working in journalism and public relations across various sectors: higher education, health service delivery, social care regulation, economic development, property and land management, and manufacturing. Kevin has held chief executive and senior management roles in both the public and private sectors, delivering media relations, public affairs, social media and internal communications campaigns and programmes at local, regional, national and international levels. He has lived in Alyth since 1998.
George Hall: George, and his wife Michele, moved to Victoria House in Alyth in May 2021, having spent most of the previous year in lockdown in their holiday home in Smythe Street, falling in love with the town. George is an Executive Coach who has worked predominantly with Chief Executives in small and medium sized businesses and charities for the last 12 years. Prior to that George ran a number of technology based companies. He enjoys hillwalking and cycling, and pottering about with the fish ponds in his new garden.
Ann Hooper: Ann and her husband settled in Alyth in 2015, following retirement. She enjoyed a career in education, firstly teaching Biology and Chemistry and latterly as the deputy head of a girls’ secondary school in South London. Her career has honed a variety of skills: from a science perspective respect and interest in the natural world and from that of school leadership diplomacy, organisation, negotiation and delegation!
Laura Rodger: Laura has lived in Alyth since she was 13 years old after moving here with her family in 2007. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in 2015, she spent a few years teaching English in Colombia and Spain. She has now returned to the University of Dundee as a PhD History Candidate. Laura is active in the community, she is the co-founder of Game Square and Square One. She also volunteers with the Alyth Youth Partnership.
Russell Willis Taylor, Secretary: Russell and her husband Steve moved to Alyth in April 2018 after staying here for several summers and appreciating its unique beauty and community spirit. Russell has been a non-profit CEO in the UK and the USA for the past 26 years, including heading the English National Opera in London as well as National Arts Strategies in the US. She has extensive experience in the non-profit and grant-making fields both here and in North America, and is delighted to help Alyth Development Trust strengthen this community.
David Whipps, Treasurer: David retired in 2017 following a 25-year career in the NHS as a project manager. In addition to project management skills David has experience of public engagement in a health and social care environment. David moved to Alyth in 2017 where he now lives with his wife, Eleanor, and three dogs.