On the back of the success of their 20th year of celebrations, County Durham Community Foundation welcomes a new Chief Operating Officer to expand their team.

Margaret Vaughan comes with a strong background in strategic and operational management in both the private and the third sectors and, as Chief Operating Officer, will look at the procedures and direction needed to take the Community Foundation to the next stage of their development. 

Margaret said: “This is a great opportunity for me to get involved in a charity that helps so many people across the County and I am delighted to become part of the team. I am looking forward to help shape the future of the charity, whilst considering local needs to ensure we deliver what is required to build and maintain thriving communities.”

Margaret’s background, both diverse and interesting, leaves her well suited to this role. She joined ICI after graduating from Imperial College, London, where she studied for a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Management. Over the following twelve years she held a variety of engineering and commercial positions, specialising in commercial operations. She obtained an MBA from Durham University in 2004 and then worked for Traidcraft, the leading fair trade organisation based in Gateshead, holding a number of roles including Operations Director, Business Director and Chief Executive.

The move to County Durham Community Foundation, the independent grant-making charity, responsible for managing around 200 funds for donors in County Durham and Darlington, means that Margaret can utilise the many skills she has gained over her years in business. 
Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation said: “I am delighted to welcome Margaret to our team and I am excited by all the positive steps we have taken in recent months. It is encouraging to see we are expanding and providing ongoing support to the local community even in these times of austerity. With our turnover approaching £6 million last year and grants of over £3 million, Margaret will play a significant part in making a genuine difference to the lives of local people, and I have no doubt she will excel in her new role.”