Staff

The Foundation has five part-time staff members – Chief Executive, Accounts Administrator, Community Engagement Manager, Distributions Manager, and Marketing and Communications Manager.

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  Sophie Lane - Chief Executive

  Sophie took on the role as Chief Executive of Northland Community Foundation in May 2022, having previously had responsibility for the operations of the foundation, including finances, IT, and processes.

  She enjoys working hard to make a better future for the Northland community she now calls home. She uses her experience in project management, team leadership and financial management, as well as her technical and analytical skills, to guide the foundation’s growth and to provide a better experience for our donors and grant recipients.

  Sophie’s background is in mechanical engineering, product design and management. She dabbled in the non-profit world as a volunteer while taking a break from work to raise a family, before taking on a role with Northland Community Foundation in 2017.

  In her spare time, Sophie enjoys sailing, singing in a women’s barbershop chorus and exercising her creativity by decorating elaborate birthday cakes for her kids.

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  Jane Stearns - Community Engagement Manager

  Jane joined Northland Community Foundation in May 2024.

  After, moving to Northland from the Waikato, Jane has been working in community engagement for Hato Hone St John for the last four years. Jane is a strong advocate for building healthier and more resilient communities and achieving equity in opportunities across Te Tai Tokerau.  Jane looks forward to supporting the Foundation’s work in stewarding long-term financial projects to enhance lives across Northland for years to come.

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  Mandy Garriock - Accounts Administrator

  Mandy joined the team in July 2022. She has worked in various Legal and Accountancy administrative roles and is now working remotely on a part-time basis for this team. She is very happy to be part of a foundation that is working for the beautiful Northland Community where she has plans for settling in her retirement.

  Mandy has three adult children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, gardening and spending time when she can with her grandchildren.

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  Jessie Manney - Distributions Manager

   

  Jessie joined the team in April 2024.

  She moved to Whangārei nine years ago from Canada, embracing Northland as her home.

  She is deeply passionate about fostering stronger, more resilient communities, and is eager to contribute to the impactful work that the foundation carries out.

  If you have any questions about grants or funding, Jessie is the person to talk to.

   

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  Mae Lewis - Marketing and Communications Manager

  Mae also joined the team in April 2024. She is originally from the North Hokianga but has spent time living and working in Chile and Colombia before returning to Northland in 2021. Mae says she is excited to put her skills to use helping the Northland Community Foundation share stories about the great work that takes place across Northland Communities.

  “Strong communities are healthy communities, and I’m looking forward to helping raise awareness around funding opportunities, as well as the fantastic work taking place across community organisations throughout Northland”