Our amazing staff and trustees make us the organisation we are
Our Team & Trustees
Meet Our Team
Members
Advice & Advocacy
Belinda Rogers
belinda@qcca.org.uk
020 7267 6635
Khadija Naib
khadija@qcca.org.uk
020 7267 6335
Our Trustees
Our board of trustees is talented, visionary and ambitious for the charity. Its members bring a broad range of experience and skills to steering the organisation. Many of them live or work locally.
Over the years they have shown tremendous leadership in growing QCCA and diversifying service provision for the local community
Ismail Jalisi is a dynamic professional with a wealth of experience and a robust academic background, holding a Ph.D. from Imperial College London. Currently serving as the Director at Cygnus Solutions in London since August 2020, he has been instrumental in leading the organisation through innovative solutions and strategic initiatives for nearly four years.
In addition to his role at Cygnas Solutions, Ismail has contributed to academia as an external lecturer at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, since April 2021. His commitment to education is reflected in his three years' of dedicated service in this role.
With a diverse professional journey, Ismail spent six years with Aker Solutions, where he held the position of group lead from April 2018 to August 2020. During this period in Winnersh, Berkshire, United Kingdom, he showcased his leadership skills and played a pivotal role in steering the group towards success.
Ismail's diverse background, encompassing leadership, engineering and compliance positions him as a multifaceted professional with a strong commitment to excellence in both industry and academia.
In addition to his role at Cygnas Solutions, Ismail has contributed to academia as an external lecturer at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, since April 2021. His commitment to education is reflected in his three years' of dedicated service in this role.
With a diverse professional journey, Ismail spent six years with Aker Solutions, where he held the position of group lead from April 2018 to August 2020. During this period in Winnersh, Berkshire, United Kingdom, he showcased his leadership skills and played a pivotal role in steering the group towards success.
Ismail's diverse background, encompassing leadership, engineering and compliance positions him as a multifaceted professional with a strong commitment to excellence in both industry and academia.
Livia Paggi is an Italian-Jewish New Yorker who has embraced Camden as her home for over a decade.
Recently moving to Queen’s Crescent, she was drawn to the vibrant and diverse community reminiscent of her upbringing in New York City. She quickly recognised the vital role of QCCA in the area.
Her professional background includes working on political and social issues globally, having built and sold a political risk advisory business. In this regard, she offers expertise in HR policies and talent retention, recognising their significance for organisational continuity and resilience.
Livia's extensive experience in business development and client relations, manifested through hosting events and successful fundraising, positions her to contribute significantly to QCCA's fundraising efforts.
During the pandemic, Livia played a pivotal role in setting up the Hampstead Volunteer Corps, showcasing her leadership as a team captain in coordinating assistance to vulnerable neighbours.
Recently moving to Queen’s Crescent, she was drawn to the vibrant and diverse community reminiscent of her upbringing in New York City. She quickly recognised the vital role of QCCA in the area.
Her professional background includes working on political and social issues globally, having built and sold a political risk advisory business. In this regard, she offers expertise in HR policies and talent retention, recognising their significance for organisational continuity and resilience.
Livia's extensive experience in business development and client relations, manifested through hosting events and successful fundraising, positions her to contribute significantly to QCCA's fundraising efforts.
During the pandemic, Livia played a pivotal role in setting up the Hampstead Volunteer Corps, showcasing her leadership as a team captain in coordinating assistance to vulnerable neighbours.
Alex Geddes is a seasoned professional with 29 years' of dedicated service at McKinsey & Co, a renowned global management consultancy. In his current role as chief operating officer for the Global Finance Function since 2021, he oversees 450 professionals across operations, compliance, technology, transformation and innovation teams.
Previously, from 2011 to 2020, Alex served as the global chief financial officer for industry practices, managing the financial strategy, growth, performance and compliance of substantial business units comparable in size to FTSE 250 companies. His extensive experience within McKinsey includes various management roles in the UK office and the global finance function.
Alex excels in a collaborative and consensus-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving, well-suited to McKinsey's global partnership model. His expertise lies in strategic planning and execution, ranging from small company acquisitions and integration to establishing new operating units from scratch. He is currently leading a global initiative to harmonise and modernise the finance function across 70+ countries.
Previously, from 2011 to 2020, Alex served as the global chief financial officer for industry practices, managing the financial strategy, growth, performance and compliance of substantial business units comparable in size to FTSE 250 companies. His extensive experience within McKinsey includes various management roles in the UK office and the global finance function.
Alex excels in a collaborative and consensus-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving, well-suited to McKinsey's global partnership model. His expertise lies in strategic planning and execution, ranging from small company acquisitions and integration to establishing new operating units from scratch. He is currently leading a global initiative to harmonise and modernise the finance function across 70+ countries.
Lucian Randall, a former parent and customer at our Caversham Nursery, currently serves as a trustee and was previously chair of the board of directors. In his professional life, Lucian provides content, research and engagement services across diverse industries, from science books for a young audience to complex infrastructure projects.
Renowned as the author of acclaimed biographies of Viv Stanshall and Chris Morris, his work has been praised as "fluently written and impeccably researched" by the Observer newspaper.
Lucian's skills extend to project management, structural editing and managing freelance staff. As a biographer, he has authored notable works such as 'Noel Gallagher: The Biography', 'Disgusting Bliss: The Brass Eye of Chris Morris', and 'Ginger Geezer: The Life of Vivian Stanshall'.
Lucian's editorial and writing career spans various roles, including being an editor and writer at Freelance, a project editor at Carlton Books, and a commissioning editor at John Blake Publishing. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in English literature from St David's University College, Lampeter, Wales, and attended Christ's College, Finchley.
Renowned as the author of acclaimed biographies of Viv Stanshall and Chris Morris, his work has been praised as "fluently written and impeccably researched" by the Observer newspaper.
Lucian's skills extend to project management, structural editing and managing freelance staff. As a biographer, he has authored notable works such as 'Noel Gallagher: The Biography', 'Disgusting Bliss: The Brass Eye of Chris Morris', and 'Ginger Geezer: The Life of Vivian Stanshall'.
Lucian's editorial and writing career spans various roles, including being an editor and writer at Freelance, a project editor at Carlton Books, and a commissioning editor at John Blake Publishing. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in English literature from St David's University College, Lampeter, Wales, and attended Christ's College, Finchley.
John Cochrane has lived locally for over 30 years. He completed a full career as an officer in the British Army (colonel) and nine years as a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Defence.
He was appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 1983 for service peacekeeping in Lebanon. He has a wide experience of team work, analysis of raw data, preparation of verbal and written briefs and reports and of governance issues. He is an active member of St Michael’s Church, Camden Town, where he coordinated a successful application for a grant from English Heritage, making the church safe and accessible.
He was appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 1983 for service peacekeeping in Lebanon. He has a wide experience of team work, analysis of raw data, preparation of verbal and written briefs and reports and of governance issues. He is an active member of St Michael’s Church, Camden Town, where he coordinated a successful application for a grant from English Heritage, making the church safe and accessible.
Kane De Antonis is a professional economist with a strong academic background in economics, holding both a BSc and MSc from Lancaster University. He is currently part of the Government Economic Service Fast Stream, with experience at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. His expertise includes policy analysis, econometric research, and quantitative modelling, with a focus on economic principles that drive government decision-making.
Beyond his professional credentials, Kane has deep personal ties to QCCA, having grown up in the area, accessed the youth club during his youth and directly benefited from other services. His passion for community development, combined with his analytical skills and strategic thinking, positions him as a valuable contributor to initiatives that enhance local opportunities and support residents. With a background in governance through university executive boards and a commitment to volunteering, Kane brings both lived experience and professional expertise to community leadership.
Sarah Bennett-Nash is a highly accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, specialising in compliance, governance, ethics, and risk management. She has held senior executive roles in major global banks, including Standard Chartered, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs. With a proven track record of driving transformation and regulatory change, Sarah has led large-scale teams and strategic programmes, influencing key stakeholders at board and executive levels.
A long-time Camden resident, Sarah is deeply committed to community engagement and social impact. Her passion for inclusivity and empowerment aligns with her professional expertise, making her a strong advocate for organisational development and ethical leadership. As a qualified coach and experienced mentor, she is dedicated to fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building. Sarah’s blend of corporate leadership, governance expertise, and community focus positions her as a valuable asset to any board or advisory role.
Leena Chandarana is a dedicated professional with a strong background in financial services, now making a significant impact through her voluntary work with the Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA). With extensive experience in client services at leading financial institutions, Leena has a robust skill set in leadership, problem-solving, and organisation.
Since March 2023, Leena has been actively volunteering at the QCCA Foodbank, where she plays a key role in supporting vulnerable families and individuals. Her work in this capacity has provided her with invaluable insights into the challenges faced by those in need and has allowed her to form meaningful connections with the community. This hands-on experience has strengthened her passion for the mission of the QCCA and further developed her interpersonal and organisational skills.
Prior to her role at QCCA, Leena had a successful career in the financial sector, holding client service roles at prestigious firms such as Newton Investment Management and Morgan Stanley Investment Management. During her time in the financial industry, she acted as the first point of contact for client queries, supported fund managers, and contributed to client meetings and presentations. Her ability to manage complex tasks, attention to detail, and strong communication skills were recognised throughout her career.
In addition to her professional achievements, Leena took a career break to focus on raising her three children. This period further refined her skills in patience, resilience, and meticulous planning, which she now brings to her role with QCCA.
Leena’s blend of professional experience and volunteer work makes her a valuable member of the QCCA Board. Her dedication to the community, combined with her strong organisational skills and empathetic approach, ensures she can contribute meaningfully to the QCCA’s ongoing mission of supporting local families and individuals in need.
Where to find us:
45 Ashdown Crescent,
Gospel Oak,
NW5 4QE
0207 267 6635
© Queen’s Crescent Community Association – all rights reserved
Registered Charity No. 1096655. Registered CLG: 04393769
Where to find us:
45 Ashdown Crescent,
Gospel Oak,
NW5 4QE
0207 267 6635
© Queen’s Crescent Community Association – all rights reserved
Registered Charity No. 1096655. Registered CLG: 04393769