CDT Team

Management and Finance 

Marie Ward

CEO

I am Marie and I have held several roles in the third sector, spanning more than 30 years, and since 2007 I have worked as CEO of Cranhill Development Trust. With responsibility for funding, facilities management, strategy and impact, I work closely with local policymakers to improve the quality of life for the people of Cranhill and the surrounding areas. I believe in community-led responses and lead a vibrant team committed to meeting the changing needs of the people of Cranhill.

Marie@cranhilldt.org.uk

Nikki Ferguson

Chief Operating Officer

My name is Nikki, and I joined CDT in February 2022 as a part-time sessional team member. I later transitioned into a full-time role as Business Development Manager in June 2023, where I led on building development projects, the Skills Academy programme, and supported the wider operations team.

I now serve as Chief Operating Officer, where I oversee key projects and contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction and future development.

Nikki@cranhilldt.org.uk

Gosia Traczykowska

Accountant

I am Malgorzata, I have been living in Scotland since 2017 and my work with CDT began in October 2017. I am CDT’s Accountant and work in cooperation with Brett Nicholls Associates. Furthermore I also perform the function of Treasurer.

I have over 20 years of experience in accounting and before leaving Poland I worked as a chief accountant at American Express.

Gosia@cranhilldt.org.uk

Connected Communities

Emma Young

Connected Communities Manager

My name is Emma Young, I am the Connected Communities Manager here at Cranhill Development Trust. I have been involved with the trust for a few years now, starting  as a  volunteer and then moving onto doing more frequent sessional work. 

In my current role, I plan and facilitate our exciting events that take place throughout the year such as International Women’s Day, Holiday Programmes for the kids, along with a weekly Lunch Club for older adults called ‘Young at Heart’. 

Emma@cranhilldt.org.uk

Oleksandra Wierzbicka

Integration Development Worker

My name is Oleksandra and I am Integration Development Worker at Cranhill Development Trust. I deliver activities that support social, economic and cultural integration, helping individuals and communities feel more connected and included. I organise workshops, events and outreach sessions that aim to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and encourage participation.

I also coordinate the East Glasgow Integration Network, working with local organisations to share ideas, build partnerships and promote inclusive practices across the area. My role includes managing sessional staff and volunteers, completing risk assessments, and making sure everything runs smoothly — from planning to monitoring and reporting. I am passionate about creating opportunities that bring people together and make a real difference in their lives.

Oleksandra@cranhill.org.uk

Community Learning

Martin Devine

Employability Worker

My name is Martin; I joined CDT in April 2026 as a part time Employability Advisor. I work Tuesdays and Thursdays providing employment advice on developing CV’s, volunteering, job searches, submitting applications, interview skills, training, courses and work placements.
I have supported people in achieving their goals and reaching positive destinations in multiple roles while employed in third sector and statutory services. I enjoy helping others develop their skills and achieving their full potential. I am a skilled helper and have a good understanding of the barriers that people experience in moving forward with their lives.
Please contact me, even if you have no idea what you want to do, I enjoy a challenge and meeting new people.

martin@cranhilldt.org.uk

Scott Pannell

Learning and Admin Officer

My name is Scott and I started as a volunteer in the CDT reception in 2016 to build my confidence up and gain experience in an office environment.  A year later, in 2017, I was employed by CDT as an Administration Assistant.   I enjoy interacting and engaging with the community. 

Scott@cranhilldt.org.uk

Community Food

Linda Cairns

Community Food Manager

My name is Linda Cairns. I am a local person and have lived in Cranhill for 42 years. My previous employment includes 16 years experience in newsagents and post offices, and over 12 years of sales experience.

I joined CDT in 2023 as the community shop and post office manager. I look forward to promoting services in the post office and products in the shop to help it meet the needs of the Cranhill community.

Linda@cranhilldt.org.uk

Zhanna Bondarieva

Community Food Worker

My name is Zhanna and as a Community Food Worker at CDT my role is to help  with the food projects such as the community meal, cooking clubs, community gardening, and other food-based events. I’m lucky to be a part of Health and Wellbeing department.  

Zhanna@cranhilldt.org.uk

Catherine Tate

Community Gardener

My name is Catherine.  I started working with CDT in January 2026 as the Community Gardener.  I have always loved gardening, growing and being outdoors and decided to make it my job in 2023.  Since then I have completed a 2 year horticultural trainee programme and I am currently at college studying Landscape Management.
Becoming a gardener has had such a positive impact on my health and wellbeing and I love sharing the joy of growing and gardening with others.  I love a blether so come and say hello if you see me.

catherine@cranhilldt.org.uk

Tracey Walsh

Community Shop and Post Office Assistant

My name is Tracey, I live in the Cranhill community, and I have engaged with Cranhill Development Trust since 2017. In 2022 I became a “Community Connector” at the Trust, where I assisted CDT in identifying people within the community who could benefit from our services, while signposting people to support available and encouraging engagement with the Trust.   

Moving forward I will continue volunteering, and have been given the opportunity to join the CDT team as a part time member of staff, working in the Community Shop and Post Office. I am excited to continue working with CDT to support the Cranhill Community. 

Tracey@cranhilldt.org.uk

Diane Smillie

Community Shop and Post Office Assistant

My name is Diane, and I was brought up in Cranhill. I have been involved with Cranhill Development Trust since its inception in 2002 and I have loved seeing how much it helps people. I have also helped run the Cranhill Nearly New Sale, with my mum, for many years.

Having worked in retail for many years I didn’t think twice when the opportunity arose to work in the Community Shop and Post Office. I look forward to seeing it’s growth and how we and the local community can thrive together.

Dianne@cranhilldt.org.uk

Operations

Lorna Kyle

Centre Manager

My name is Lorna and I’m the Centre Manager at Cranhill Development Trust. My background is in facility management and service delivery within leisure centers and outdoor recreation sites across Glasgow, as well managing innovation premises in the Higher Education sector. I’m experienced in managing multi-use buildings and supporting a wide range of stakeholders. I’m delighted to be part of the busy operational team and be involved in future developments.

Lorna@cranhilldt.org.uk

Mehmoona Jalil

Administration Assistant

My name is Mehmoona, I started my journey with Cranhill Development Trust in August 2024 with the Life Skills Academy Course. I started volunteering at CDT reception to gain more experience in an office environment.

In July 2025 I was employed by CDT as an Administration Assistant. I am delighted to be a part  of the CDT team and excited to cotinue working for the community.

Mehmoona@cranhilldt.org.uk

Anna Connan

Administration Assistant

Hi, my name is Anna, and I have lived in the East End of Glasgow my whole life.  

I’m proud to be part of the incredible team here at Cranhill Development Trust (CDT). I have joined CDT as a Receptionist/Administrator, bringing with me over 30 years of customer service experience—and a deep-rooted passion for helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. 

In my new role, I’ll be one of the first points of contact when you visit or get in touch. Whether you’re looking for information, support, or just a friendly face to greet you, I’m here to help in any way I can. 

I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the amazing people who make up this vibrant community—and contributing to the warm, welcoming environment that CDT is known for. 

Anna@cranhilldt.org.uk

David Waugh

Facilities Team Member

I’m David and I am a local resident, having lived in the east end of Glasgow since I was a child. I have worked for Cranhill Development Trust since 2017 as a Facilities team member, responsible for cleaning duties. During my time at CDT I have met lots of great people, and really enjoy my job.