Mike Rice, one of three new board members elected last month, has taken over as Communications Director of Bees United from Mark Chapman, who resigned from the role before he successfully stood for re-election.
Andre Sawyer, who is also a new BU board member, will focus on club governance. Stephen Dando – the third new board member – will assist Donald Kerr, who will retain his role as Community Director; and Natasha Judge, who will continue to be the BU director responsible for fundraising. Stephen Callen will remain as BU’s Finance Director.
Loan-note representative Paul Stedman has taken on the Administration Director post, relieving Matt Dolman of his duties after he and other retiring directors stepped down at the November board meeting. Chris Gammon, who is not a BU Director, has agreed to continue as Secretary of Brentford Football Community Society, as Bees United is formally known.
Reiterating his remarks at the AGM, BU chair David Merritt thanked the retiring directors, Matt Dolman, David Hawes and Trevor Inns, for their unflagging hard work and enthusiasm during their time on the Bees United board.
“Without hard-working volunteers, as well as generous financial contributions from supporters, Bees United could not perform its role of securing the long-term future of Brentford Football Club,” he said.
A full-time vicar with a local parish in Eastcote, Stephen Dando said he was looking forward to putting his experience in fundraising and community projects to good use. “I hope that I can help Bees United play an important role in reaching out to the local community and in building up a community club,” he said.
Mike Rice said he wanted to bring his experience in public relations to his new role. “Good communications with our fellow members and potential members are essential,” he commented, “but I am under no illusions about the communications challenges highlighted by the latest membership survey.”
Andre Sawyer brings considerable corporate financial expertise to bear on his club oversight role. A Lifeline board member and BU Life Member, Andre commented that it was critical both societies worked together for the benefit of Brentford Football Club.