Appointment of Kathryn Ross as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Skylight Trust.
Kathryn joins Skylight Trust with over 30 years of experience in local and central government. Her most recent role was as General Manager of Strategy and Reform at Taituarā, where she provided thought leadership and developed strategic initiatives to achieve community wellbeing and local government excellence. Before that, Kathryn served as the Chief Executive at Masterton District Council, where she successfully led the organisation through a period of change and uncertainty, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kathryn's career also includes significant leadership roles at the Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council, where she was instrumental in developing strategic plans, improving community outcomes, and fostering strong relationships with iwi and hapū. Her experience in these roles has equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique needs of communities across Aotearoa, and her commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi has been a consistent hallmark of her work.
Kathryn is recognized for her strategic thinking, her ability to lead high-performing teams, and her passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals, whānau, and communities. Her expertise in financial management, stakeholder engagement, and communication will be invaluable as Skylight Trust continues its mission to support tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau.
We will welcome Kathryn to her role at Skylight Trust on 18 September 2024 and look forward to the innovative and compassionate leadership she will bring to our organisation.
The Skylight team is made up of a Board of Trustees, Patrons, and Skylight staff
Governance
Skylight's services and activities are guided by a committed and experienced Board of Trustees. We are also honoured to have New Zealanders known for their compassion and understanding of others, as Patrons.
Patrons
Louise Nicholas
Judy Bailey
Trustees
Dr. Nicole M. Coupe (Chair) - CEO, Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust
Nikki Franklin - Principal Consultant, JacksonStone and Partners
Lesley Hoskin - CEO, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Jodie Black - Mental Health Clinical Service Manager
Brendan Oakley - Captain, Royal New Zealand Navy
Tania Vincent - Senior Partner, Tregaskis Brown
Maria Mitimeti-Clark - Principal Advisor Tagata o le Moana, Teaching Council NZ
Advisory - non voting
- Katharine Te Hau Bowden
- Akasha Te Amo Liana Rio
Phil Royal - Independent Board Advisor
Skylight staff
Our staff members have many different backgrounds, qualifications and life experiences, to form a strong team. We are committed, hard working and passionate about our work.
| Role | Staff Name |
| Acting CEO | Director of Operations | Lesley Brown |
| Clinical Advisor | Jenny Devine |
| Counselling Team Leader | Vonnie Marshall |
| Finance Officer | Di Duncan |
| Counselling Coordinator | Maggie Horrell |
| Office Manager | Anne Bristol |
| Counselling Coordinator | Benjamin Jensen |
| Programmes Coordinator | Guadalupe Zarazaga |
| Programmes Administrator | Lily Murray |
| Counselling/ Senior Programmes Coordinator | Bridy Haughey |
| Administrator | Azrul Bibi |