Chief Executive

Kate Markey

Kate joined the Foundation as our new CEO in 2024. With a background in journalism, she served as Editor of The Big Issue North for a number of years. Kate also brings extensive experience in social enterprise, social investment and impact consulting, and was previously CEO of the London Community Foundation for more than five years.

As the UK’s housing crisis continues to devastate families and communities, Kate feels privileged to work with a team so committed to tackling the crisis now and for the long-term.

Grants & Support Officer

Alexandra Marsh

Alex is the Nationwide Foundation’s Grants and Operations Support Officer. She looks after everyone at the Foundation giving support with grant administration, operations activities and finance administration. Alex has worked at the Foundation since September 2022, having previously worked in a similar role at Comic Relief.

Alex enjoys working with the supportive and friendly team at the Foundation and is proud to see how the organisation’s work is valued by so many people, particularly in the current climate.

Communications Manager

Amy Kuczynski

Amy is the Nationwide Foundation’s Communications Manager, sitting within the External Affairs Team. She works closely with colleagues across the Foundation to plan and deliver effective and compelling communications that show the value and potential of our funded research, projects and mission.

Having joined the Foundation in 2023, Amy has previously worked in communications positions across the charity and public sectors. Since joining, she has seen the potential the Foundation has to truly transform the housing sector for the better through long-term, purposeful change.

Head of Programmes

Sam Stewart

As the Head of Programmes, Sam leads the Foundation’s team of Programme Managers, and plays a key role in designing, delivering and measuring impact of the funding programmes which underpin our Decent Affordable Homes strategy.

Sam has 25 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, across various roles and organisations. Having worked at the Foundation for the last eight years, Sam is immensely proud of our mission and our continued focus on providing impactful, long-term solutions to the most significant social issues facing people across the UK today.

Operations Manager

Jo Sheppard

Jo is the Nationwide Foundation’s Operations Manager and leads on all governance and finance operations, with a focus on putting effective processes and controls in place to support the Nationwide Foundation in achieving our mission. Jo also provides support to the board of trustees.

Jo has been at the Foundation since 2015 and takes great pride in being part of an organisation dedicated to achieving meaningful and positive change for as many people as possible, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Programme Manager for Backing Community-Led Housing

Gary Hartin

Gary has worked for the Foundation since 2014 and leads our Backing Community Led Housing Programme, which seeks to give people and communities real agency in finding their own solutions to securing an affordable home.

Gary previously worked for the regional youth charity London Youth as their Head of Quality Standards following a corporate career with the John Lewis Partnership. Whilst working for London Youth, Gary attended the Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School where he studied Philanthropy & Grantmaking.

External Affairs Manager

Hannah Slater

Hannah Slater is the Foundation’s External Affairs Manager and oversees our public affairs and communications activity. She has worked for the Foundation since 2021 and has a prior background in housing and homelessness policy and campaigns, having previously worked at Generation Rent and Crisis.

Hannah strongly believes in the Foundation’s mission because she knows from personal experience how hard it can be to find an affordable, safe space to live and how the stress of housing insecurity can hang over you. Hannah says working at the Foundation is a real privilege, especially working alongside an amazing team committed to creating changes that improve peoples’ homes and lives.

Programme Manager for Transforming the Private Rented Sector

Joshua Davies

Josh leads the Foundation’s work to transform the private rented sector. Before joining the Foundation in 2022, Josh worked for a variety of charity and third sector organisations, specialising in addressing housing, equality and human rights issues. He is driven by a deep desire to facilitate social change, and loves having the opportunity at the Foundation to support organisations across the UK to make this happen.

Programme Manager for Nurturing Ideas to Change the Housing System

Jonathan Lewis

Jonathan Joined the Nationwide Foundation in 2017, driven by a passion for social justice and entrepreneurship. As the lead for our programme of work to nurture innovative ideas to change the housing system, Jonathan is particularly interested in systems thinking, and is dedicated to challenging norms and promoting equity across the housing system.