Meet the Board

Rupert Tyson is a Dalston resident who previously worked in housing for Local Government. He has lived in the borough for 23 years. Rupert was re-elected Chair of the board in September 2009.

“I want to contribute to the decision making of Hackney Homes and ensure compliance with Hackney Homes’ vision to deliver a first class housing service to tenants and residents.”

Alice Burke is a trained auxiliary nurse and has lived in Hackney for more than 30 years. She is a resident of Hackney Downs. Alice was re-elected Vice Chair of the board in September 2009.

“I joined the Board to help Hackney residents get a fair deal. Every Hackney Homes resident should get the service wherever they live”.

Audrey Villas is a Shoreditch resident and has lived in Hackney for over 43 years. An active advocate, she promotes activities for young people and works with residents to make estates safe. Audrey is committed to working as part of a team to make a difference on Hackney's estates.

“I am proud to be a member of the Hackney Homes Board and I am committed to promoting equal opportunities for all residents.”

David Larkin has been involved as a resident in Hackney for over 16 years. As a young person aged 20, he set up a local residents association which has led to a career in housing and resident involvement.

“As a Hackney Homes Board Member, I am determined to ensure the achievements gained over the past few years are not lost and that Hackney Homes grows from strength to strength.”

Joel Gordon has lived in the London Fields area of Hackney for over three years. Joel has a passion for getting involved and making a difference to the lives of local people. He works in the IT field and has over ten years experience working with central government departments.

“I am really excited about joining the Hackney Homes Board and it is a great opportunity to highlight the priorities and concerns of Hackney Homes customers”.

Terry Edwards has lived in Hackney his entire life. He is currently the Chair of the Homerton Neighbourhood Panel MESH and Frampton Park Tenants and Resident’s Association.

“Services for Hackney Council residents have improved in the last four or five years, but there is scope to do much more, that was why I wanted to be on the Hackney Homes Board.”

Andrew McMillan a corporate communications and employee engagement specialist, brings 15 years experience from both the public and private sector. Andrew has knowledge of social housing and working in large organisations that are going through change."

"Hackney Homes has a major role to play in transforming the borough and the lives of local residents, so I'm delighted to be involved in helping the organisation on its journey."

Pam Lockley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of housing, law and management to

the Board. With over 28 years experience in the social housing sector, she has taken on several senior roles in London boroughs including Camden, Hillingdon and Islington.

"I am a strong supporter of the ALMO ideal, and Hackney is an exciting place whose reputation across London is going from strength to strength."

Karen Dodds joined the Hackney Homes Board in 2008 and currently works as the Head of Crawley Homes. She is a housing professional with a career dating back to 1984.

“I am interested in the work that Hackney Homes has been doing to improve services. I have worked on setting up culture change projects in the past so I’m interested in seeing change happen to benefit both the ALMO and residents

Marie Photiou has lived in Hackney for over 20 years. She is passionate about providing excellent services to residents. Marie was appointed as an independent board member in 2005 and was elected Vice Chair in September 2009.

“We want everyone in our community to have decent homes and a decent environment. Our role as a Board is to make sure we have the funding and community involvement to make this happen.”

Tom Tyson works for Lambeth Council as a Policy Manager. In this role, Tom works closely with the ALMO, Lambeth Living and also takes the lead for resident involvement. Tom brings his knowledge and experience of local authority housing management as well policy development to this role on the Board.

“I look forward to working with Hackney Homes to ensure the provision of improved services for all residents.”

Jonathan McShane has lived in Hackney for over ten years and is a councillor for Haggerston, a ward

with a large number of Hackney Homes estates.

“I am proud to serve on the board of Hackney Homes as I know that decent housing can make a real different to every aspect of people’s lives”.

Afolasade Bright has been a councillor for the Haggerston ward since 2002. She is a chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has a background in Human Resources. She has lived in Hackney for 14 years, is married and proud mother of three children.

“Hackney Homes is an innovative organisation that will really change the way that housing is delivered in Hackney and I'm happy to be a part of that change process.”

Linda Kelly is a Leabridge Ward Councillor and has lived in the borough for more than 40 years. Professionally, she works as an advocate for adults who have learning difficulties. Linda is an advocate for equality and diversity and works to ensure standards are met for all residents.

“I am helping to develop strategies that ensure Hackney Homes tackles anti-social behaviour and ensure equality for all residents”.

Samantha Lloyd has lived in Hackney since 1984 and has a wealth of experience working with local communities. As a local councillor since 1999, she has met many people across the borough. Professionally, she works as a project manager and she is also a Governor at Mossbourne Academy.

“We are working with the community to build on progress that already has been made. I know

Feryal Demirci has lived in Hackney for the past 18 years and was appointed as a local councillor in the Brownswood ward in May 2006. Feryal is passionate about housing and meets with local communities regularly to discuss ideas and options.

“Having lived and gone to school in Hackney, I have witnessed some incredible changes – for the better. However there’s still more work to be done.”