Judith Brodie (Chair) 

Judith is a charity consultant with extensive experience in charity leadership.  She was the first CEO of the pioneering venture philanthropy charity, Impetus, and spent five years with the international charity, VSO, including as UK Director.  As an interim CEO she led a number of charities including Beating Bowel Cancer (now Bowel Cancer UK), Bond, Vision Foundation (merged with Fight for Sight), and Cochrane.  Judith also has charity Board experience, including as a Chair, and has been an NHS non-executive director, and a local authority Councillor leading on social services and health.  

As a consultant, she has undertaken a range of assignments to support and strengthen charities, including on: governance; strategy and change; leadership support and capacity-building; patient and public involvement in health, and social enterprise development for charities.  Judith has lived in Merton since 2010, and in her spare time is a cheesaholic, and enjoys cinema, swimming and reading (including the Bookfest!).

Wendy Pridmore 

Wendy has over 25 years of leadership experience in the voluntary and housing sectors. Since 2012, she has served as Chief Executive of Wimbledon Guild, where she has been instrumental in delivering services that improve lives and build stronger communities.

Previously, Wendy was the Chief Executive of Crown Simmons Housing for 13 years. Her academic credentials include an MA in Modern and Medieval Languages from the University of Oxford and participation in a leadership programme at The King’s Fund. Wendy’s blend of strategic insight and compassion ensures lasting impact for the communities we serve.

Nigel Lawson (Treasurer)

Nigel is an accomplished finance professional with experience spanning the corporate and voluntary sectors. Currently serving as Interim Head of Finance at YMCA Thames Gateway Group, Nigel provides expert financial oversight and governance.

Nigel has played key roles in managing complex financial systems, integrating acquisitions, and supporting organisations through periods of transition. His qualifications include a CIMA Management Accountant accreditation (ACMA, CGMA) and an MSc in Environmental Legislation and Management from Brunel University. Nigel’s dedication to financial resilience and sustainability is invaluable to the Board.

Asha Newsum

Asha is a dedicated volunteer and Merton resident who has been actively engaged in local and international community work since her retirement in 2020. Her career spans over 30 years in senior management roles across governance, strategy, and institutional development, working with organisations such as the UK Department for International Development and the Asian Development Bank.

Asha now focuses on supporting local initiatives, including befriending services with Wimbledon Guild and leading community engagement for the Merton Climate Action Group. Her extensive experience and passion for empowering communities bring invaluable insights to the Board.

Dr Emma Wiley

Emma is a Consultant Microbiologist at Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. She read medicine at the University of Cambridge and obtained an MSc in Clinical Microbiology at Queen Mary University of London. 

In addition to her medical career, Emma co-founded Muslim Women of Merton (MWM) in 2015, where she served as Vice Chair and Publicity Officer. MWM is a voluntary organisation dedicated to empowering Muslim women through community cohesion, advocacy, and charity work. Emma’s expertise in healthcare and her commitment to inclusivity make her a vital member of the Board.

Jen Goddard 

Jen is a strategic leader in healthcare and community services, with a proven track record of delivering innovative programmes and building strong partnerships. She is currently the CAMHS Programme Director for South London Mental Health and Community Partnership and also serves as Strategy and Partnerships Manager at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Jen’s experience includes leading transformation projects, fostering collaboration, and implementing community-focused services. Her expertise ensures our work continues to create positive, lasting change.

Karen Peck

Karen brings over 30 years of experience across public policy, local government and the voluntary sector. A strong advocate for inclusion and community development, she has led safeguarding and governance initiatives, supported charities, and influenced national policy.

Deeply rooted in Merton, Karen is passionate about partnership working and using her insight to strengthen local organisations. She looks forward to helping shape Merton Connected’s strategic direction and supporting the sector to thrive.

Natalie Busari 

Natalie brings a powerful commitment to health equity and representation. As Founder and CEO of The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis CIC, she has built vital networks supporting Black individuals with MS, with chapters now established in Ghana and Nigeria.

With a background in computing, digital design and public advocacy, Natalie brings a wealth of experience in research, inclusion, and community engagement. Her energy and insight will help strengthen connections across Merton’s voluntary and community sector.

Omar Daair

Omar has over two decades of leadership experience in diplomacy, policy, and international development. Currently serving as Africa Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Omar brings extensive insight into collaboration and strategic governance.

A proud Merton resident for nearly 20 years, Omar is passionate about the power of community and the role local organisations play in supporting people across the borough. His commitment to inclusion and representation will strengthen Merton Connected’s mission to empower the voluntary and community sector.

Preeya Parmer

Preeya has extensive experience in marketing, digital transformation, and commercial strategy. Having delivered major growth initiatives across global industries, she brings strong skills in data analytics, communications, and leadership.

Alongside her professional work, Preeya runs several female-focussed initiatives that promote inclusion and collaboration. She is passionate about using her expertise to help strengthen Merton’s voluntary sector, broaden engagement, and inspire positive change across the borough.