We aim to remain as lean as possible, ensuring that more of our funding goes towards community-led projects. And that means our team, give more than 100% of themselves all of the time. We couldn’t achieve all we do without them.
David joined ECCT as Chief Executive Officer in February 2022.
David brings over 30 years senior leadership experience with a focus on financial and investment management, strategic planning, marketing, community development and leadership. He knows our region well having worked throughout the area during his career.
David is a change agent, idea enabler and leader that fosters fresh thinking and has a make things happen mindset. He puts strategic planning at the centre of his approach, ensuring intentions, plans and actions are aligned. David also believes in staying connected to the people who we serve – Iwi, hapu, community, stakeholders – and delivering meaningful community engagement.
When not working, David enjoys whānau time with his partner, children, grandchildren and extended family. He is also exploring the options for developing a small lifestyle property.
As a Community Advisor, Neil has the privilege of developing relationships, with organisations that make a positive difference in their communities. He works alongside them to make their grant applications.
For the past 10 years, Neil has played a key role in overseeing ECCT’s education projects, as well as hosting funding clinics throughout the regions and advising on ECCT policies and strategies.
In his spare time, Neil enjoys undertaking DIY projects on his home in Wellington and is involved with training search and rescue dogs voluntarily. In his spare time, he spends his weekends either kayaking, tramping or cycling.
Brooke joined ECCT in October 2023 as the Policy, Research and Evaluation Manager.
Brooke has a background in funding and community development at a local and central government level in the Manawatu/Whanganui region. Brooke is originally from Hawke's Bay and is excited to have returned home to serve her community.
Katie joined ECCT as the Team Administrator in February 2023 and also looks after our IT systems including the online grant application process.
Katie has a broad background in Project and Finance administration, both in New Zealand and overseas.
Prior to joining ECCT Katie was the Office Administrator for an NGO and enjoys working for organisations with a community focus.
Outside of work Katie enjoys spending time with her husband two children.
Ko Mokotahi te maunga
Ko Whangawehi te awa
Ko Takitumu te waka
Ko Ruawharo te marae
Ko Ngāi Tama te hapū
Ko Rongomaiwahine te iwi
Jesse Gerrard is locally based in Wairoa and works as the Contracts Administrator at WYAT, supporting rangatahi and community programmes. For ten hours of her week Jesse, works on behalf of Eastern & Central Community Trust supporting not for profit organisations apply for funding to support their important mahi.
When not a work, Jesse enjoys being home, spending time with her whānau and kuri in Opoutama, and working on creative DIY projects.
Nadia joined Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT) in January 2022 and her role has evolved from handling the marketing communications to community advising and partnerships. Due to her passion for the environment, she also leads climate change initiatives for ECCT.
With an extensive background in business development, marketing, and operations, Nadia has international experience across consumer and B2B industries. Her last role involved running an environmental and heritage NGO in the Cayman Islands.
When not at work, Nadia loves to spend time with her Kiwi husband and two daughters enjoying all the activities that Hawke’s Bay has to offer and is avid pickle ball player.
Kristal joined ECCT in June 2022 as Business Manager, stepping away from her previous role as Manager of an NGO in Hastings.
Kristal brings her 15 years' experience in the charity sector and business management skills to ECCT.
Having served on local sporting charities and school boards, she recognises the role they play in strengthening our communities.
Kristal has lived in Hawke’s Bay for 22 years, moving north from her hometown of Wellington and raising her family here. Together with her husband they live on small farm in Waimarama and love walking and cycling on the amazing cycleways around Hawke’s Bay.
Jill Wolland is a grants assessor at Eastern & Central Community Trust and has been a vital part of the ECCT team for 24 years!
Her role has varied during her time with the Trust, which has seen her doing everything from administration roles to finance and accounting and now assessing grants.
“I often call organisations for accountability reports too,” says Jill. “There is a lot of background work to providing grants to our community organisations. I really enjoy the whole process – from helping people fill in applications to paying out the grants and seeing the community impact of that grant.”
When she’s not in the office Jill enjoys relaxing with her family and friends, making the most of Hawke’s Bay’s array of wineries and restaurants and travelling abroad.
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