Debra McConnell

In her eight years in the role our retiring Chair, Debbie McConnell has led the transformation of our branch. She has applied her enthusiasm and commitment to both how the branch operates and what we do.

Organisationally, Debbie changed our legal status to a CIO which streamlined processes and reduced costs; moved to a virtual office set-up; and rationalised our staffing without redundancies. She successfully used many avenues to recruit new trustees to create a board with a broader range of skills and ages to set us up for the future. She has particularly championed the cause of diversity, seeking to increase involvement and opportunity for all minority groups in our area.

Debbie is enthusiastic about partnering with national initiatives, which has given our branch a more proactive approach and a broader vision; we led on the creation of the Brownfield Toolkit, participated in Hedgerow Heroes, and Debbie is on the Centenary Working Group.

In another new direction for the branch, Debbie led the initiation of externally-funded projects, including the creation of the 200 mile Greater Manchester Ringway walk.

As a result of her leadership, we are a more dynamic branch, better focused and prepared to act.