Karen Preston joins the senior team
We are delighted to announce that Karen Preston will be joining the Stonepillow senior leadership team in the first week of September.
Karen will be taking up the new role of Director of Finance, Property and Resources and brings more than 25 years’ experience in finance, governance and operational leadership.
Karen is a qualified accountant, and most recently Director of Finance and Operations at Burgess Hill Girls school. While there she led on finance, property, HR, IT, compliance, risk and wider support services.
Karen brings experience of strategic financial planning, Board reporting, property oversight, charity governance and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
Karen said:
“I am delighted to be joining Stonepillow at a time when homelessness services are facing growing pressure and the need for practical, compassionate support has never been more important.
What really attracted me to the role was the opportunity to use my finance, property and operational experience in purposeful work that has a direct and positive impact on people’s lives. Strong finance and good operational infrastructure help create the stability and sustainability needed for frontline teams to keep making that difference.
I am looking forward to working with David, the trustees, colleagues and partners to support Stonepillow’s next chapter.”
Karen also has a strong personal connection to local homelessness work.
“My father-in-law John Kemish MBE co-founded the Worthing Churches Homeless Project, now Turning Tides. I am delighted to be joining Stonepillow in a role where my professional experience can support purposeful work and help create positive impact for people facing homelessness and hardship.”
“We are delighted to welcome Karen to Stonepillow’s senior leadership team,” David Francis, Stonepillow CEO said.
“Her extensive experience across finance, governance, property and human resources will help ensure Stonepillow remains resilient and well-positioned to continue providing life-changing support to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping across West Sussex.
I am very much looking forward to working with Karen as we continue to strengthen our organisation and maximise our impact.”
Karen joins Stonepillow on 3 September.
