Exeter Community Initiatives’ Board of Trustees monitor our strategic objectives and help to govern and direct how we are managed and run. Our Managers work closely with the Trustees to carry out the day-to-day running of ECI.
Visit our project pages to see who works within our project teams.
Acting CEO
Ellie joined Exeter Community Initiatives in 2021 following a move from North Devon where she had worked in Further Education for 10 years. Ellie is passionate about wellbeing; both her own and that of her colleagues and looks to find ways to encourage health and happiness at work.
Family Resource Manager
Daisy started her career in change management and business administration in multinational companies. She then spent ten years in support services in the special needs education sector. Alongside this she has been a school governor and trustee for local charities. Daisy is passionate about building a strong team to support families to live happy, healthy lives.
Magic Carpet Manager
Hannah joined Magic Carpet in 2022 and then ECI in 2024 and brings 12-years’ experience working in the Charity sector. Hannah worked as a project manager for a music therapy charity for 5 years and has had a number of roles working alongside children and young people with disabilities. Hannah has a love for music and is passionate about the role that creativity can play in all of our lives. As Magic Carpet Manager Hannah is an advocate for the arts and accessibility.
Chair of Trustees
Mark has lived in Exeter since 2004. He is now retired, having worked at the University of Exeter where he was Head of the Department of Geography, Dean of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. He was also a Board member and Vice-Chair of the Cornwall Local Enterprise Partnership, a Trustee of the Northcott Theatre and the St Luke’s College Foundation, a Board member of the Exeter Science Park and a Governor of Exeter College.
Vice Chair
Caroline Lake is a Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Consultant. She previously worked in the financial services industry and was a member of the Women in Finance Board, part of a Government initiative aimed at increasing the number of women in senior roles. Caroline was born and raised in the Westcountry, has lived in Exeter since 2003 and currently lives in Exwick with her husband.
Treasurer and Trustee
Mark’s career spans hospitality, accounting and education technology. Previously a scout leader, Mark has a keen appreciation of ECI’s mission of using creativity to connect people and improve their well-being. Mark fulfils the role of Treasurer on the board of Trustees.
Trustee
Steph joined ECI as a trustee in 2024. She moved to Exeter with her family in 2019 and very much enjoys being part of the local community. She works at the Met Office, and volunteers at Trinity Church, helping with children’s groups and the summer holiday club. She has a background in mathematical modelling, strategy and project management.
Trustee
Emerald grew up in south Wales, but moved to Exeter in 2016 to complete a degree in Archaeology. She currently works as a Wellbeing Practitioner for children in Torbay who are impacted by domestic abuse. Emerald spent some time working with homelessness in Devon and Somerset before moving into wellbeing work. She is now a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practitioner for children and young people, and lives in Alphington with her partner and their ginger cat.
Trustee
John Barrett worked in London for many years as Sales Director for large manufacturers and importers of textiles and threads. He moved down to Devon to retire in 2000, setting up his own B&B for 10 years. He now plays an active part in his community and beyond, coordinating soup kitchen activity in Exeter, holding the Chairman’s role on Silverton Parish Council and is a trustee on the local community hall committee.
Trustee
Mia Day is a People Partner and advocate for neurodiversity and mental health. A graduate of Exeter University, she has lived and volunteered in the community for over five years. With a background in EDI training, Mia’s work has been recognised by YouTube Health and recommended by mental health professionals nationwide. Her award-winning research continues to support educational programs across Devon. Passionate about creating inclusive environments, Mia brings her expertise to champion wellbeing within the community.
Trustee
I have over six years of experience working in the charity sector, primarily with the National Trust. Before this, I worked in local government, with roles at Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council. I began with the National Trust working on Dartmoor before transitioning to the central Nature and Science team, where I also collaborated with Exeter University on the Renew Project. Currently, I am part of the Volunteering and Community team, where I coordinate projects and initiatives that align with our Everyone Welcome values. My dedication to climate and nature is matched only by my passion for young people. I am the proud co-chair to the National Trust’s Re-Generation Challenge Group for 16–30-year-olds and have had the opportunity to work alongside organizations such as Mind, the Young Trustee Movement, and Youth in Nature to drive positive change. Originally from Cornwall, I moved to rural Devon in 2019 and quickly found a welcoming social hub in Exeter. I am passionate about fostering community and connection and thrive when working collaboratively with others to make a meaningful impact.