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Six new members complete SEPA’s refreshed board

From diverse backgrounds in public, private, and third sectors, Dr Carol Evans, David Hunter, Lindsay MacDonald, Lorraine McMillan, Dr Sue Paterson, and Keith Rosser all join from January 2024.

The appointments, made by Scottish Ministers and regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner, complete the process to refresh SEPA’s board and follow the announcement of a new Chair, Lisa Tennant, last week.

The board is responsible for the overall direction and performance of the agency in meeting its Statutory Purpose: to protect and improve the environment in ways that, as far as possible, also create health and wellbeing benefits and sustainable economic growth.

“I will be honoured to lead such a talented and dedicated group of individuals. Each new member brings a unique set of skills and experiences that will complement the existing strengths and make significant contributions to SEPA’s work. I am confident in our collective ability to drive positive change and build on the strong foundations laid out as the agency reforms for the years ahead.”

“As SEPA continue to adapt to an evolving landscape of environmental, economic and social challenges, a diverse and experienced board is crucial to our success. The expertise and fresh perspectives brought by the new members will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and decisions, enhancing SEPA’s ability to find innovative solutions to protect and improve Scotland’s environment. Completing our board recruitment process is an important milestone in our reset, as we now look to finalise our emerging corporate plan and accelerate the delivery of our key services.”

Notes to editor

• Read the full press release on Public Appointments Scotland’s website for further information.

Dr Carol Evans

Dr Carol Evans has over 20 years’ experience of strategy development, stakeholder engagement, strategic leadership and leading and driving change in complex organisations in the private, public and third sector. She currently has non-executive roles at Skills Development Scotland and Food Standards Scotland and is a Member of the Accounts Commission for Scotland. She is also Chair of the Friends of Cedarbank charity. She has previous experience as a member of pharmacy and health related boards and government advisory groups and supported the development of regulations, policies and procedures nationally.

David Hunter

David Hunter is a senior executive leader with extensive global supply chain, manufacturing and environmental sustainability experience. He was Chief Supply Chain Officer for Beam Suntory where he developed and implemented their global sustainability strategy. He led an organisation of 2,500 employees across Europe, the Americas and Asia. He developed his leadership skills in complex and regulated organisations delivering people centred continuous improvement.

Lindsay MacDonald

Lindsay MacDonald has extensive experience of being accountable for major investment projects and leadership in the transport, construction and telecommunications sectors. He is a Charted Management Accountant and Project Management Professional with experience of bringing the disciplines of financial management and performance delivery together in an appraisal framework. Lindsay is a Member of the Scottish Social Services Council and the NHS Golden Jubilee Board.

Lorraine McMillan

Lorraine McMillan retired from her role as Chief Executive of East Renfrewshire Council in 2023. Prior to her role in local government, she held roles in economic development, latterly as Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire. Lorraine is a chartered physicist and has retained her interest in technology throughout her career and was the local Government lead for digital technology setting up the Local Government Digital Office and co- chairing the national Digital Health and Care Board. She served previously as a non-executive member of the Board of the Scottish Funding Council and the Improvement Service and is presently a Trustee of SCIAF.

Dr Sue Paterson MBE

Dr Sue Paterson MBE has lengthy experience working in the oil and gas industry with Shell. Sue is a qualified IoD Chartered Director with lengthy experience as a non-executive in the public, private and voluntary sectors. She is currently a Member of the Boards of Scottish Enterprise and the Company of Wolves theatre company and is a Member of the Expert Advisory Committee for the International Energy Research Council. She is currently helping deliver a just transition to a low carbon economy and is Co-ordinator of the Deeside Climate Action Network.

Keith Rosser

Keith Rosser is Group Director for Reed, a family-owned recruitment business. He has lengthy experience as a non-executive across a range of public bodies, with a particular focus on strategy and governance. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and a member of the Board of Disclosure Scotland. He has a commercial background having grown a private sector business and developed regulation in the UK labour market. He was made an Honorary Fellow of Lancaster University for work improving the rights of flexible workers and work seekers.