Incoming Trustees
The Alfred Stewart Trust’s eight trustees bring with them a wealth of experience and a shared vision for social impact. The Trustees are committed to invigorating the Trust’s operations with their diverse skills and are united by a common purpose – to effectuate tangible positive change and to honour the philanthropic legacy of the late Alfred Stewart MBE.
David McColgan
David McColgan is an experienced leader within Scotland’s third sector, boasting a background in public affairs and external engagement and a strong track record of leading diverse teams towards impactful outcomes. As the current Head of British Heart Foundation Scotland, David has spearheaded strategic initiatives, secured substantial investments and crafted innovative projects. His leadership extends to voluntary roles, including Chair of Action on Smoking and Health Scotland and Chairperson of the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance Scotland.
David’s expertise lies in influencing and engagement strategy, public relations, strategic communications, and project management. His educational background includes a Master of Science in International Relations from the University of Glasgow and a Bachelor of Arts in International Politics from the University of Stirling. With a passion for serving communities and a commitment to realising their full potential, David is poised to make significant contributions as a trustee of the Alfred Stewart Trust.
Douglas Chapman
Douglas Chapman, a longstanding resident of Dunfermline for nearly 35 years, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a trustee of the Alfred Stewart Trust (AST). Having served as both a local councillor and Member of Parliament for eight years each, Douglas is deeply committed to the advancement of Dunfermline, particularly in its pursuit of city status which came to fruition in 2022. His extensive network and connections within the community, cultivated during his tenure as an MP, underscore his ability to promote and support initiatives that benefit the citizens of Dunfermline.
With a background rooted in public service and a strong emphasis on local delivery, Douglas envisions the Alfred Stewart Trust as a catalyst for positive change. As a trustee, Douglas is dedicated to leveraging his skills as a team player and his unwavering passion for the needs of citizens to further the Trust’s mission and vision.
Dr Patricia Krus
A local Dunfermline resident and experienced charity professional, Dr Patricia Krus is the Acting CEO of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, an independent foundation that funds research across Scotland.
Here, Patricia has led on all aspects of the charity’s governance, managing grant-making activities, establishing new application and selection processes, and creating an evaluation framework for measuring the impact of the Trust’s funding.
Patricia has a strong track record for designing funding programmes from inception to evaluation. A proficient charity leader, her passion lies in developing strategies and operations that have a meaningful impact on individuals and society.
Janis McCulloch
Head of Campaigns for Myeloma UK, Janis McCulloch is an esteemed communications professional with experience in the third sector. An expert in delivering impactful, engaging, purpose-driven campaigns, Janis has successfully raised the profile of Myeloma UK since joining in 2021.
Prior to this, Janis was the Media and Public Affairs Officer for Scouts Scotland, where she effectively lobbied for government funding to help save Scotland’s outdoor education centres.
Janis has volunteered locally for over 5 years and advocates for bringing local voices into the charity mission. She hopes to see the Trust become a positive champion for local projects and people.
Karen Francis
Karen is a highly esteemed project manager, with over 32 years of experience working in the public sector in various senior management roles.
Having achieved Chartered Manager status in 2016, and with a CMI Diploma in Management and Leadership from the Andrew Carnegie Business School, Karen’s management and leadership skills will be vital to the ongoing success of the Alfred Stewart Trust.
Having lived in Dunfermline for 24 years, Karen is committed to making a positive impact on the local community through her position as a Trustee for AFT. Her project management skills and strategic insight will prove invaluable in supporting Alfred Stewart Trust to achieve this aim and ensure that all assets are maximised for the benefit of the community.
Lisa McCran
Lisa McCran is a Dunfermline resident and a qualified social worker with 15 years of operational experience within Fife Justice Social Work Service.
Responsible for the delivery of Justice Services in Fife, Lisa is acutely aware of the challenges faced by vulnerable people in the West Fife area and is committed to supporting equitable access to services for all.
Lisa is keen to raise transparency of the Trust’s work and increase public understanding about how it benefits the local community to ensure the organisation is seen in a positive light moving forward.
Matthew Hay
With over eight years of experience founding and managing two successful Care at Home Companies, Matthew Hay brings a unique blend of business acumen and compassion to his role as a trustee of the Alfred Stewart Trust.
Inspired by his first-hand experiences providing care for the vulnerable, Matthew eagerly embraces the opportunity to contribute to the AST’s legacy of making a positive impact within the Fife community. His diverse career background, coupled with his leadership in local business groups, positions him to bring valuable insights and expertise to the Trust’s endeavours.
As a trustee, Matthew aims to ensure the Trust’s continued growth and financial stability, while prioritising support for initiatives that directly benefit the community.
Ryan Donaghy
Ryan Donaghy is known for his unwavering commitment to community advocacy, particularly in utilising sports and physical activity to empower marginalised groups. Having honed his skills at Edinburgh Leisure, he has led initiatives targeting health conditions, disabilities, poverty, and social inequality. As a trustee, Ryan’s vision is to drive impactful community projects in West Fife. With six years in the voluntary sector, Ryan Donaghy has shown a commitment to advancing AST’s mission.
With a fervent passion for steering impactful initiatives and a dedication to community engagement, Ryan is poised to significantly contribute to fulfilling AST’s purpose and making a tangible difference in West Fife.
