Our staff

Kate Markey

Chief Executive

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.

Alexandra Marsh

Grants & Support Officer

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.

Mariama Nadworna

Interim Communications Manager

Mariama is the Nationwide Foundation’s Interim Communications Manager, leading work to strengthen how the Foundation communicates its mission and impact. She works closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure our communications clearly highlight the influence of our funded work and the change we aim to achieve in the housing system.

Mariama joined the Foundation in 2026, bringing marketing and communications experience from across Nationwide including within the Social Impact team supporting the Community Grants programme. She is passionate about the role that clear, purposeful communication can play in shifting conversations about housing and supporting long‑term change.

Sam Stewart

Head of Programmes

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.

Jo Sheppard

Head of Governance and Operations

As Head of Governance and Operations, Jo 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.

Gary Hartin

Programme Manager for Backing Community-Led Housing

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.

Hannah Slater

External Affairs Manager

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.

Jonathan Lewis

Programme Manager for Nurturing Ideas to Change the Housing System

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.

Nicola Martin

Policy and Public Affairs Officer

Nicola joined the Foundation in 2025 as Policy and Public Affairs Officer. She has previously worked in various policy roles across the third sector at a Westminster and Holyrood level, and within Scottish politics.

Nicola is passionate about social justice and recognises the impact that having a safe and affordable place to call home can have on all other aspects of a person’s life. She is proud to be working for an organisation that is highly collaborative and prioritises an evidence-based approach to addressing the UK housing crisis.

Rory Hughes

Programme Manager for transforming the Private Rented Sector

Rory joined the Foundation in 2026 and leads our programme of work to transform the private rented sector. He brings a wealth of experience from across the housing sector, having held policy and influencing roles at organisations including the National Union of Students, the National Housing Federation, and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

Rory has also worked as a freelance housing policy consultant, supporting organisations to influence the Renters’ Rights Act and championing better conditions for student renters across the UK. He is driven by a commitment to improving renters’ experiences and creating a fairer, more secure private rented sector.

Mhairi Brewster

Personal Assistant to our CEO Kate Markey

Since joining the Nationwide Foundation in early 2026, Mhairi has been the Personal Assistant to our CEO, Kate Markey. Prior to joining the Foundation, Mhairi had spent over 20 years providing executive support. Much of her career has been in the renewable energy sector with a particular focus on offshore wind. Before her move into renewables, Mhairi spent several years in supported housing roles. She worked directly with vulnerable people helping them live more independent lives.

Mhairi is particularly motivated by the Foundation’s people focussed mission to address housing inequality and is proud to be part of the team.