Sue Davie FCMA MBA joined the Trust in 2002 as Finance Director and became Chief Executive and Director of Ireland in March 2007. Sue worked in the commercial sector for International Computers and the Dixons Stores Group, with a focus on finance, business development and merger/acquisition work. Before joining the Trust she was based in California as part of the team that started the first free UK internet service provider, Freeserve.

Sue says “I am delighted to be leading a dedicated team of people with a good mix of skills and wealth of experience to best meet the needs of people affected by meningitis”.

Bridie Taylor is Services & Education Director.
She has always worked in the caring profession, in the UK and Canada, and joined the Trust in 1990. Qualified as a counsellor herself, Bridie is responsible for the provision of the Trust’s professional services and the development of education and awareness resources. Her team includes nurses on the helpline and based in the community.

Bridie says, “I am very proud of the services and the education/training we can offer to people affected by this devastating disease and I look forward to being able to help move this vital work forward in the years to come”.

Elaine Smart MCIPR is Director of Communications. She has worked in communications for all of her career and joined the Trust in 2007. A former journalist, head of communications for a high profile company and director of her own PR company, Elaine has extensive experience covering external and internal communications, stakeholder management, reputation and awareness building, event management, crisis communications and marketing. At the Trust she is responsible for all communications and brand marketing.

Elaine said: “I have always wanted to move into the charitable sector and, now that I have done so, I am immensely proud to be involved with the work of the Trust. Everyone is totally committed to making a difference to the lives of everyone who has been affected by meningitis.”

Catherine Ind is Director of Fundraising and Development. She has a degree in business studies and marketing and has over 17 years experience working across a number of industries. Catherine has worked at the Trust since 2006, formerly as Events and Individual Giving Manager in the fundraising team.

Catherine said: “I feel privileged to work for the Trust. I have seen first-hand the fear and terror that meningitis can cause to a family, as my nephew had meningococcal septicaemia. Thankfully he recovered, but I know how different things could have been and I understand how important the Trust’s support is. As we are reliant on voluntary donations, it’s important that that we generate sufficient funds to continue supporting people affected by the disease. I am committed to reaching as many people as possible with our services and generating the funds to enable us to do that”.