After graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences, Natasha began her career in an NHS laboratory before moving into scientific research grant management and later charity grant-making. She has more than 15 years’ experience in the sector and joined Sussex Community Foundation in 2021, where she works across the grant lifecycle, supporting the delivery of the Foundation’s core grant-making activities.
Fun fact: While travelling in New Zealand, Natasha took a helicopter flight to a glacier before hiking across it - an unforgettable experience that was both incredible and slightly nerve-racking!
Tracey has worked in the charity sector for more than 20 years. She began her career in project management, supporting adults with learning disabilities to access sport and physical activity. When the charity she worked for faced financial challenges, she moved into fundraising, giving her first-hand experience of the pressures and realities many of the groups we support encounter. Tracey joined the Foundation eight years ago on a part-time basis and enjoys walking her spaniel when she is not processing applications and liaising with grant applicants.
Fun fact: She once famously came joint last in the Nuts Challenge Mud Run when her charity team vowed to cross the finish line together!
Polly joined Sussex Community Foundation in early 2026. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked at Shelter leading corporate volunteering programmes, and spent several years at the University of Sussex managing projects focused on the inclusion of underrepresented student groups. Throughout her career, Polly has developed partnerships and programmes that connect people, strengthen communities and create opportunities for those facing barriers to participation.
Fun fact: On the weekends, Polly can often be found salsa dancing, paddleboarding or learning to play the piano.
Margaret is an experienced Finance Manager who began her career in audit, developing a strong foundation in financial controls, governance, and compliance. She has since developed extensive experience across multiple sectors, including the charity sector, where she has played a key role in strengthening financial controls, improving processes, and implementing effective financial systems.
When she is not working, Margaret enjoys tending her allotment and spending time outdoors with her cocker spaniel Otis.
Vicky joined Sussex Community Foundation in 2025, initially as Head of Philanthropy & Development, before becoming Chief Executive in 2026. She has more than 20 years’ experience across the charity, public and political sectors, including six years as CEO of an international charity. Vicky is passionate about the power of local philanthropy to create positive change and, as Chief Executive, leads the Foundation’s work to bring together donors, partners and communities to help build a fairer, stronger Sussex.
Fun fact: Vicky once appeared in a toothpaste advert!
Lucy grew up in Cornwall but moved to Brighton to study Developmental Psychology at the University of Sussex and has stayed ever since! She originally started her career in a multi-disciplinary health team in the NHS but after a break for travelling, began work in the voluntary sector as a Community Development Worker in Brighton. She worked as a Community/School Development Worker in the East Brighton Education Zone, and then at Moulsecoomb Primary School. Before joining Sussex Community Foundation in November 2024, Lucy worked on the Making it Happen Programme, an asset-based community development programme in East Sussex, supporting grassroots community groups.
Fun fact: Lucy loves travelling and when in Belize swam with a mother and baby nurse shark.
Hannah has worked in the not-for-profit sector since 2002 and has a background in grant-making and project management. Formerly at the London School of Economics and later at Groundwork, a prominent environmental regeneration charity, she has been leading Sussex Community Foundation’s grant making as the Head of Grant Programmes since 2017.
Fun fact: Hannah’s adventurous spirit led her to volunteer in Nepal for a year, where she unexpectedly became the local community’s go-to hairdresser, a skill that she has continued with her own family!
Zoë has been part of Sussex Community Foundation since January 2020, starting as the Grants Administrator before moving into the Marketing team in 2021. After nearly six years at the Foundation, she now leads on communications and events, working to share the impact of our grant making and connect communities, partners, and donors across Sussex. Zoë graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2019 with a degree in International Development with Economics with Overseas Experience, which included volunteering for three months with Voluntary Service Overseas in rural Nepal, supporting an inclusive education project.
Fun fact: Zoë is a distant relative of Anne Hathaway (Shakespeare’s wife).
Pete has worked in the voluntary sector since 1999 within a variety of roles, from grant making, fundraising and development through to corporate volunteering in both national and local charities. He joined the Foundation in July 2019 following a grant making role in a corporate foundation. Pete is also the Foundation’s Sustainability Champion and in his spare time he can be found in his garden where he is creating a sub-tropical oasis in Brighton.
Fun fact: Pete was once hired as an extra in a nationally released movie. When the movie came out in cinemas, he discovered that only his left elbow made it to stardom!
Alex joined the Community Foundation in 2022 after a number of fundraising roles with both national and local organisations across the UK, a Diploma in Fundraising from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and a boardroom apprenticeship with the Forestry Commission, Alex brings a variety of insights and experiences into his advice to Fundholders.
Fun fact: Alex won the award for best dressed delegate at the 2022 UKCF conference.
Nikki worked as a PA to an Executive Headteacher in a large Infant school in Hove for 14 years before moving into the private sector in 2022. She has previous experience working as a clerk to Governor during her time working in Education. Nikki joined Sussex Community Foundation in September 2023 as Executive Assistant to our CEO, Kevin Richmond. She has two grown-up children and a Granddaughter that keeps her busy. Nikki has lived in Sussex all her life in the Brighton & Hove area. She enjoys seaside and country walks as well as strength training at her local gym.
Fun fact: In 2014 Nikki completed the London to Brighton Cycle Ride in 5hr 26 mins.
A Scot by birth, Jackie moved to London post university to start her career in HM Diplomatic Service. Having decided that diplomacy may not be for her, she then worked in the Lloyds insurance market specialising in Bloodstock and Fine Art. A move to Sussex saw Jackie start a 20 year association with Citizens Advice where she ran their Lewes District operation for 12 years before joining Sussex Community Foundation in June 2022. Jackie has an in-depth knowledge of the issues facing the small charities and community groups that the Foundation’s grants programme helps to support.
Fun fact: Jackie loves horse racing especially National Hunt.