Staff

The Foundation has five part-time staff members – Chief Executive, Accounts Administrator, Community Engagement and Fundraising Manager, Distributions Officer, 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 Scripps - Community Engagement and Fundraising

  Jane joined Northland Community Foundation in July 2022 from North Haven Hospice. A Northlander for 35 years, she has worked in many roles in the region, most recently including 10 years as part of the leadership team at hospice.

  At hospice she specialised in volunteer and people development, including community engagement and fundraising.

  With Tim, she has raised three children here and has been/is involved in a range of community groups.

  Jane joined the Foundation because she is passionate about Northland and its people and wants to share with them how they can be part of good change for our community, and how they can have an impact way beyond their lives.

  Manaaki whenua, Manaaki tangata, Haere whakamua — (Care for the land, care for the people, Go forward)

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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 Officer

   

  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”