Deborah Thomas has been appointed as Global Executive Director to lead the Soroptimist International headquarters team based in Cambridge, UK. 

Deborah has over 25 years’ business experience, starting and growing her own ventures including holiday accommodation, a human resources agency and windfarm development.  She has worked extensively in the social enterprise and not-for-profit sectors, particularly in waste-management and supporting young and 50+ entrepreneurs, and has a strong track-record in leading organisations through periods of transformation.  Deborah has also worked closely with the Welsh Government undertaking research, monitoring and evaluation of many public sector projects.

The small Soroptimist International Headquarters staff team assists the SI President and elected Officers in carrying out their duties and supports SI’s programme work, including its relationship with the United Nations, NGOs and other international organisations.  Margaret Hyde, a Soroptimist from Cambridge, is currently leading the SIHQ team as volunteer interim Executive Director.  The current SIHQ staff are:

• Reilly Dempsey – Programme Director (part-time)
• Anna McCormick – Programme Manager
• Rosi Jack – Communications Manager (part-time, fixed term to November 2013)
• Victoria Parrin – Temporary Admin Assistant (part-time)

Deborah will start her new role on 9 September, working four days per week.