SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Shetland Arts Development Agency
Graeme joined Shetland Arts Development Agency in December 2014 to manage its three venues and oversee its extensive program of support and delivery. Graeme previously worked as a Senior Manager for a private creative education provider managing ten colleges across the UK and as the Director of a 2000 seat concert hall in Bristol where he delivered a £20 million redevelopment project. Other experience includes working as the head of operations for a countywide festival as well as having held a number of third sector trustee positions.
Graeme recently completed an ILM post graduate qualification in strategic leadership and executive management and has an IDeA Future Leadership Qualification from Ashridge Business School.
Graeme has experience of working in, and working with, rural communities having run region wide projects across the South West of England and is passionate about what can be achieved when communities are properly empowered and engaged.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Garden and Ecology Trail Sandwick
- Chairman of Shetland Environment Partnership
- Operations Officer, Scottish Natural Heritage
As chair of Shetland Environment Partnership, Juan represents the wider environment sector and can offer expertise on nature and landscapes. Through involvement in Community Planning, Juan has developed an interest in ways in which the environment can deliver wider social benefits such as health and wellbeing, Juan is a member of Shetland Physical Activity Special Interest Group. Juan's role in Scottish Natural Heritage includes giving land management advice, and he has been involved in schemes such as the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
Outside work Juan is chair of Garden and Ecology Trail Sandwick (GAETS), a community group which aims to improve the local environment and encourage outdoor access.
Job Titles:
- Community Project Officer With Northmavine Community Development Company
- Community Project Officer, Northmavine Community Development Company
Maree is a community project officer with Northmavine Community Development Company. Through her work within a community-led organisation in a remote area of Shetland, she is able to provide an insight into activities in the North of Shetland.
Because of the day-to-day experience gained in her job, she is also aware of the opportunities and challenges for groups, individuals and businesses in areas like Northmavine.
In the past few years, she has taken an online Sustainable Rural Development course with the University of the Highlands and Islands. As a result, Maree appreciates the highs and lows of using technology in a remote area.
In a voluntary capacity, Maree is involved with a number of community groups. She is a trustee of Voxter House and secretary for the Nort Trow Gairden in North Roe. She is also a director of Shetland Abattoir Cooperative Ltd and a member of Shetland Livestock Marketing Group. Maree, along with her family, now runs a croft in Sullom, Northmavine.
Job Titles:
- Head of Strengthening Communities for the Shetland Area Office of Highlands
- Head of Strengthening Communities, Highlands & Islands Enterprise ( HIE ) Shetland
Mhari is the Head of Strengthening Communities for the Shetland Area Office of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with a particular focus on assisting social enterprises and creative industry businesses to reach their growth potential. Mhari was Vice Chair of the previous LEADER programme and was responsible for closing the Leader+ programme before that. She also sits on the Shetland Fisheries Local Action Group and previously represented Shetland on the Northern Isles Regional Priorities, for Scottish Rural Development Programme: Rural Development Contracts.
Mhari also plays a significant role in Shetland's cultural sector, being a main volunteer organiser of the annual Shetland Folk Festival.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager With Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Department
- Project Manager, Economic Development
Thomas is a Project Manager with Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Department. He previously worked on a secondment basis as Business Development Manager for Shetland College and Short Courses Manager for Train Shetland. He has a wide range of experience in Economic Development, including LEADER, economic research, project management, Business Gateway and strategy/policy development.
Thomas was involved in preparing LEADER Local Development Strategy and Business Plan for 2014-2020 programme, and for 2007-2013 programme acted as project manager and temporarily as LEADER co-ordinator. Member of LAG for LEADER+ and LEADER 2007-2013
He is a member of Ulsta Hall Committee and previously served on Yell Community Council.