The Development Trust comprises a Board of 11 Directors/Trustees, a Membership Secretary, and a staff team of 3 part-time employees. The Trustees and Membership Secretary are volunteers.
The Trustees, staff and our Membership Secretary are all Dollar residents who have come together to try and make a positive impact on the community. New Trustees can be elected at the AGM. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please contact us.
At our AGM on 6th January 2025, our Chair Stephen Roe stepped down after more than 7 years’ service, as did several other Trustees. These positions were filled with 5 new elected Trustees, who co-opted 3 further Trustees. Our Company Secretary Stephanie Connor stays on as do Nick Poett (formerly Vice-chair, now Chair) and Kenny Mitchell.
We welcome our incoming Board!
The Board’s Office Bearers
Chair: Nick Poett
Nick served six years with the British Army in the Scots DG and now has a young family and works full time on the family farm at Harviestoun. He is interested in the wider future development of Dollar and is keen to put into action the recent community action plans. He was a founding member of the Trust and has served as Vice-Chair.
Company Secretary: Stephanie Connor
Stephanie has over 10 years’ experience as a solicitor initially in civil litigation and, in later years, contractual negotiations and consumer credit claims. Stephanie is also a Director of Citizens Advice Bureau having held that position for 5 years. Her personal interests in the community are ensuring Dollar is a Town to Visit with a thriving community and tourism. Stephanie has had ties to Dollar for over 15 years and has resided there for several years.
Treasurer: Martin Aston
We recently moved to Dollar having lived in South West England for many years. I worked in the aerospace industry for 40 years, playing a senior role in numerous national and international research programmes. I’m now semi-retired, working as a freelance engineering consultant when it suits me. I’ve been a committee member of a number of clubs and societies over the years. I hope that my experience acquired in both business and voluntary organisations will help to ensure that the Trust continues to thrive and support the evolving needs of the residents of Dollar.
The Board’s Trustees
Kenny Mitchell
Kenny served the communities of Dollar and surrounding rural areas as a postman for 31 years. As a qualified football coach, he also worked part-time for Clacks Council Sports Development. He established Dollar Glen Football Club where he is currently Chairman and was also Youth Leader at Dollar Senior Youth Club. His passion is community football and he is determined to see the new football facilities finally delivered but is also keen to see other facilities upgraded and established so that all ages can take part in sport & increase active living. Kenny’s role with the Trust is active communities.
Alasdair Fraser
Alasdair lives in Dollar with his wife and young family, having moved from Glasgow in 2023. He became involved with the Trust through baby and toddler sessions at the Hive, and through the Trust’s local events. He is passionate about delivering the Trust’s strategy and ensuring Dollar remains a thriving community. Alasdair works as a senior manager in economic crime prevention operations at a UK bank. His career spans roles in operations and risk management across banks and financial technology businesses.
Sarah Gwynne
I have lived in Dollar for the last 26 years and raised my son here who is now 23. I currently work as a Housing Support Officer in the Homeless Unit at Stirling Council, but before this worked in Dollar’s Deli for 16 years. Previously I have been a member of Dollar Community Council for over 10 years and only resigned recently to find a new challenge. I have been a member and organiser of the Dollar Events Group since it was formed. The events bring such joy to the people of Dollar and this is my main focus for becoming a Trustee as the events now come under the umbrella of the Trust.
Stephen Leitch
I am pleased to be re-joining the board as I feel my knowledge and experience of the Third Sector may be of use. I was part of the group who established the Trust and served on the initial board with a further spell when Dollar Community Events transferred from the Community Council to the Trust. I led the Events Team for many years but stood down due to health issues. I look forward to contributing once again through the Board.
Jude Mott
Nature lover and Technology Consultant. I’ve lived in Dollar for 3 years now and a key reason for my move is to live in and contribute to a community with physical beauty and a strong sense of identity. Having found all this and more through the people I’ve met to date, I’m hoping to apply my broad range of business skills in marketing, communication and project management to support the Dollar community in continuing to develop a safe and enriching place to live and work. Having started out with tree planting and supporting the plans for the new public toilet, I’ve got my eye on the bigger picture and excited about what we can achieve.
Ross Burton
We moved to Dollar earlier this year, in search of a community. Since we arrived, we have felt welcomed, and I believe that the Community Development Trust is at the very heart of the community. As a recently retired town planner, I have an interest in sustainability and find that echoed in the work of the Trust. I welcome the opportunity to become involved, in a proactive and practical way, in furthering that work. I hope that my knowledge of the development process and the way councils work will be a valuable addition to the Trust’s skills.
Janie Gordon
My last post was as the Professional Head of Service for NHS Clinical Nutrition and Dietetic Service. I looked after over 100 staff with a large budget to provide dietetic care to the hospitals and community across Fife since 1997. I have expertise in finance, recruitment, personnel, training (students and staff), and working with community partners; and I recently completed a Future Leaders Programme for potential directors. I hope to use my skills to continue contributing to the various local projects and the community.
Garreth McMahon
Garreth moved to Dollar with his wife and three children in 2021. A founding partner of an architectural practice, he has led its creative direction and management since its inception. As an Expert Advisor on the Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and Built Environment (MAG), Garreth challenges design policies and champions quality in all areas of the built environment. He is passionate about collaborating with local communities to create co-designed frameworks that reflect local knowledge, priorities, and practical solutions, fostering pride and ownership.
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Membership Secretary (volunteer): Karen Kenyon
Karen moved from Taiwan to Dollar in 2021 with her husband Lawrence – a plant pathologist – and their 2 teenagers. She has worked in community engagement and as a strategic advisor, coach and project leader in overseas aid. She retrained as a primary school teacher in 2017 and works locally as a tutor and course writer. She’s the administrator for the Membership and Friends scheme.
KAREN STANDS DOWN IN MARCH. COULD YOU BE OUR NEW MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY? PLEASE CONTACT KAREN AT MEMBERS@DOLLARCDT.COM.
Our Staff Team
Admin Assistant: Mandy Gillespie
Mandy has lived in Dollar since 2000 with her husband George where they have raised five children. As a grandmother of seven, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is an avid gardener, enjoys home improvements and walking her dog, Gordo. Previously, Mandy has been involved with coaching athletics.
Project Officer (Caring, Connected Dollar): Helen Hudd
Helen has worked and volunteered for a number of charities over the past 20 years including the National Childbirth Trust, Home-Start and Scottish Book Trust. Since 2021 she has used her experience to create better community support for parents with babies and young children in Dollar, offering activities at the Hive including baby massage, Bookbug and a weekly baby cafe. Helen’s current part-time role is focused on ensuring Dollar has services and activities available which provide opportunities for improved physical and mental health and well-being for all ages, and making sure the local community feels supported.
Project Officer (Sustainable Dollar): Helen Costin
Originally from Wales, Helen studied Geography and Environmental Science in London. After too many years in London going from job to job, she escaped to Scotland to be Environmental Data Specialist for Shell, buried in spreadsheets and scientific software. Although Helen loves a spreadsheet, she wanted to work hands-on with the environment so retrained in environmental conservation where things are more tangible. She worked as a Woodland Warden before moving to DCDT. As well as enjoying working to protect and enhance the natural environment, she has discovered an enjoyment of working with volunteers, so combining both is the favourite part of her job. Helen also works as Dollar Glen Ranger for National Trust for Scotland.
declaration of interests
To follow.
