Mary joined Devon Community Foundation as CEO in 2025, following nearly 13 years as Operations Director at Somerset Community Foundation, where she led key functions including policy development, financial reporting, procurement, and human resources. With over 20 years of experience in the charity sector, she brings extensive operational and strategic expertise to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, with a focus on charity management and leadership. She began her career as a caseworker in the charitable housing sector before relocating to the UK to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law at Birkbeck, University of London. Mary is passionate about supporting individuals and organisations to make a meaningful difference in their communities and is committed to strengthening the impact of local philanthropy. Outside of work, she spends time with her family on the beach and particularly loves visiting Putsborough when the surf’s up.
Molly Southwood
Head of Development & Philanthropy
msouthwood@devoncf.com
Molly has worked in fundraising and engagement roles for over 20 years, across several charities and education settings, primarily in Devon and Somerset. Originally from the USA, Molly holds a BA from Skidmore College in New York and an MA from the University of Warwick. Outside of DCF, Molly volunteers as a school governor and for several community groups, including Bradninch Town Fair and Clyst Hydon Swimming Club. She lives in Mid Devon with her two daughters.
Brought up in Devon, Nicola has a PhD in social anthropology from the University of London, and has held postdoctoral positions at the School of Oriental and African Studies and City University London. She has worked with and for VCSE organisations for nearly 30 years, with an enduring interest in the relationships between state bodies and community organising. Leading DCF’s research and insight function since 2017, she has had a focus on work around food insecurity, social prescribing and community development. She is Chair of Governors at a local primary school and a member of the Devon Education Forum.
I jointly oversee DCF’s grantmaking, working with donors and the team to ensure the funds that we manage are distributed to maximum benefit for grassroots organisations and the communities they serve. I am truly Devonian in that I am happiest when swimming in rivers (but not in the sense that I don’t have a van and I don’t like dogs). My favourite thing about Devon is the number of people who are prepared to think differently: about wellbeing, about economic and political systems, and about our connection with the natural world’
Vanessa moved to Exeter to attend university and quickly fell in love with the coastline, countryside, and the people, and has stayed ever since. At Devon Community Foundation, Vanessa works alongside Philippa on the Foundation’s grantmaking, working with donors and the team to ensure funds are directed where they can make the greatest difference, supporting organisations and the communities they serve. Alongside her role at DCF, Vanessa is a qualified counsellor with a private practice. She is deeply committed to mental wellbeing and finds great fulfilment in supporting individuals on their personal journeys. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys all things fashion, with a particular love for dopamine dressing and the way a great outfit can lift your mood.
Besides general administrative support for Mary and the team, Kate is concerned with DCF’s governance, as secretary to the Board of Trustees and the Finance & Governance Committee. When not working she enjoys creative pursuits – especially music. If she had to choose her favourite thing about Devon it would be the great walking offered by the coastal path and the tors of Dartmoor.
Carey manages various grant programmes at Devon Community Foundation, including Supporting the Supporters, CLASP, and Food, Fuel and More. She’s worked in grants and fundraising for the past ten years. Outside of work she enjoys writing or walking up on Dartmoor. Being close to the moor is what she loves about living in Devon.
Sophie grew up in Devon and has been with DCF since 2023. As a Grants Manager, Sophie oversees a range of funds, with a particular interest in education, the environment and the prevention of anti-social behaviour. Her favourite thing about Devon is Dartmoor.
I am a Grants Manager at DCF, supporting the successful administration of grants to organisations across Devon. I have over 20 years' experience in the charity sector working for local and national charities, both large and small. I have previously worked within fundraising securing grants for charities and projects which transform, in the main, children and young people's lives. Outside of work my favourite hobby is looking after my pet goats! I love Devon for its rich agricultural heritage.
As Finance Manager Sarah is responsible for the day to day financial transactions of DCF. Outside work most of her time is taken up by caring for her odd collection of 3 elderly equines, a Thoroughbred, a Bodmin Hill pony and a Shetland pony. Her favourite things about Devon are its countryside and beaches.
I am a Finance and Operations Administrator, I find joy in gardening and taking walks during my spare time. After moving from Somerset to Devon over 15 years ago, I realised how truly beautiful this county is, where the countryside and the beach are never far away.
Ian Blackwell
Insight Manager
ian@devoncf.com
Ian is Insight Manager at DCF working on multiple projects evaluating the value and impact of the VCSE sector across the county. Outside of work he enjoys going to his allotment. The thing he loves about Devon is the variety of people and places. Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ian-blackwell-research-dadsnetwork/
Ben is responsible for maintaining DCF's CRM and supporting the Insight Team with their data analysis and projects. Outside of work, they have a passion (obsession?) with designing and making board and card games. One thing they love about Devon is exploring the Jurassic Coast.
James Butler
Development Volunteer
James has volunteered for community groups for over forty years, mostly in Oxfordshire, but also now in Devon since relocating in early 2025. After a career in the environmental sector and then as a business coach he retired early and spent five years travelling before settling in Exmouth. He is a keen networker and is delighted to support Devon Community Foundation in increasing engagement with the County’s business community. Outside of his voluntary role, he is a very frequent walker, exploring the county, and is an active beach cleaner for Plastic Free Exmouth.
HM Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon
President
David has been His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant since 2015 and, in that role, is particularly focused on Communities and Charities in Devon. He has a long-standing connection with the County both through his family and his work. He has had a varied career since leaving Oxford University most recently as a Chairman or NED in rural enterprises and businesses.
Bishop of Exeter, Rt. Revd Dr Mike Harrison
Vice President
Mike studied Mathematics at Cambridge University and trained at Ripon College, Cuddesdon and then Union Theological Seminary, New York. Mike served his curacy in the parish of St Anne & All Saints, South Lambeth, while studying for a PhD in Christian doctrine at Kings’ College, London. Mike took up his present role as Bishop of Exeter in November 2024. In previous roles he has had a focus on vocations, training and development for clergy and lay people. His background also includes ministry with children and families, and education chaplaincy.
Jake Moores
Chair of Trustees
Commodore Jake Moores OBE, DL spent over 37 years in the Royal Navy as a Tactics and Sonar Specialist in the Submarine Service. Successful completion of the Submarine Command Course 'Perisher' in 1989 was followed by three submarine commands with HMS Odin, HMS Sovereign and HMS Vanguard. These sea commands were followed by three shore commands: Britannia Royal Naval College, The Faslane Flotilla and The Devonport Flotilla. Since leaving the Royal Navy in 2013, Jake Moores has taken on the roles of Maritime Campaign Leader for Elbit Systems UK, Maritime Advisor for Babcock Defence and Security, Chair of the Dart RNLI, President of Dartmouth Sea Cadets, Trustee of The Britannia Association and Co-Chair of The Leaders Club, as well as duties as a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon. In addition, he was Chairman of Shrouds of the Somme, an Art installation which marked the centenary of the Battle of the Somme in 2016 and the centenary of the end of the First World War. Jake is now back with the Royal Navy as a Decision Body and Appeal Board member for Service Complaints and was the High Sheriff of Devon from March 2024 to March 2025. He took over the role of Chair of Trustees of the Devon Community Foundation in March 26.
Anne Gunther
Trustee
Anne Gunther is originally from Manchester, a Physics and MBA graduate and holds an honorary degree from Edinburgh. She is a Chartered Banker and has spent more than 40 years in corporate and retail financial services in the UK with executive experience across all sectors, from lending to wealth management and including IPO, merger and acquisition activity. Her career has taken her around the UK, building executive experience in NatWest, Lloyds and Standard Life, typically responsible for the rapid growth areas of telephone, digital and internet banking. Anne was Chief Executive of Standard Life Bank, Standard Life Healthcare and a founding director of Standard Life Wealth. More recently Anne has taken on a range of non-executive roles in both the charitable and commercial sectors. She has made Devon her main home since 1990.
Cary Rudolph
Trustee
Cary has strong Devon roots and returned to live in East Devon in 2009. She is a lawyer by background, qualifying in 1992 as a solicitor and working mainly as an in-house general counsel/consultant within the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, including a non-executive director role with responsibility for compliance and risk. Cary has combined work and family with nonprofit sector roles as a school governor/academy director, Citizens Advice adviser/supervisor, co-founder of a local independent advice service, volunteer manager and Independent Custody Visitor. She is currently working towards an MA in Philanthropic Studies, which together with an MSC in Development Management, she hopes to use for the benefit of Devon Community Foundation.
Jessica Pilkington
Trustee
Jessica is Founder and Director of Pilkington Communications, a PR and marketing agency specialising in the UK's nonprofit sector. A trained journalist with over 20 years' media experience, she also works in fundraising, philanthropy and charity marketing. Jessica heads up her family's charitable fund and in 2024 was awarded MPHERo status for her charity sector work and support for women in business. In 2025, she was appointed Associate at leading consultancy In The Round to lead on PR and marketing. Through her agency, Jessica champions high-quality marketing and storytelling for nonprofits, and is a keen advocate of the Community Foundation model of philanthropy.
Kelly Spry-Phare
Trustee
Kelly Spry-Phare is a lifelong Devonian and Exeter resident. She is an experienced grant maker with over two decades at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, where she has supported communities, heritage organisations and local partnerships across the South West and further afield. Her work has focused on strengthening resilience, enabling access to funding, and helping organisations secure sustainable futures, strengthen community identity and protect the region’s cultural and natural heritage. She is especially passionate about helping people and organisations share the stories that matter most to them and care for the assets that hold their heritage, identity and sense of place. Kelly also brings insight and a creative approach shaped by her experience as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent professional and mother. She is committed to improving accessibility, understanding and inclusive practice within the funding landscape, championing approaches that recognise lived experience, local identity and the diverse needs of grassroots organisations. As trustee of Devon Community Foundation, Kelly is delighted to give back to the county she has always called home — supporting communities and organisations across Devon to deliver their vital, vibrant work and ensuring that local funding makes a meaningful difference where it is most needed.
Nicholas James
Trustee
Nicholas is a property investor and community leader with more than 20 years’ experience managing residential and commercial portfolios. He has served as Vice Chair of the Disabled Sailing Association and Chair of Governors at a special school, helping to secure significant grant funding and strengthen governance. Nicholas co-founded the Southwest Youth Sailing Academy, a not-for-profit group shortlisted by the RYA for a national award and recognised as a model for other regions. As Chair of a national sailing dinghy class, he guided it to RYA pathway accreditation, opening new opportunities for young sailors. His work is guided by empathy and lived experience as the parent of a young adult with additional needs.
Rowan Truscott
Trustee
Rowan works as an investment manager in a specialist charity investment team at the Exeter office of RBC Brewin Dolphin. In this position he helps many of the region’s charities manage their financial reserves to achieve their longer-term financial, ethical and charitable objectives. Outside of work Rowan is studying for an MSc in Charity Accounting and Financial Management at Bayes Business School. Aside from this Rowan is a passionate supporter of increasing diversity on boards, in particular the representation of young and working-class people.
Sandy Goscomb
Trustee
Sandy is an accountant and chartered secretary who has worked throughout her career as a member of police staff, within finance and procurement amongst other areas. She spent the last 15 years as Chief Finance Officer for Devon and Cornwall Police, being part of the management board and overseeing the budget and a range of support functions. Sandy has lived all her life in the West Country and for the last 10 years has been resident in East Devon.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
