Chair of the board of trustees

Mark Goldby

Mark’s extensive leadership & manufacturing experience started in the fast-paced, High-Tech Electronics industry, initially with corporate giants GPT & Siemens as then as co-founder/owner of SMS Electronics & SMS Product Services – two successful, multi-award winning companies and Queen’s Award winner.
Mark now chairs the successful and expanding East Midlands Manufacturing Network, which was established by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce to champion the strength & diversity of Manufacturers from the Region.  Commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire for his services to business and his community, Mark leads on the promotion of the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise within Nottinghamshire, the most highly coveted business awards in the UK. Mark is Chair of Qinesis – the Business Growth Company.  His business background & experience allow him to provide insight & support to business leaders & senior executives through private coaching & mentoring.

In 2025 Mark was appointed as Honorary Colonel of the Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force to promote the ‘esprit de corps’ and to strengthen the links with business and communities.Mark is also Chair of the Roosevelt Scholarship, which is the only ‘living’ memorial of it’s kind in the world.  It aims to unlock the potential of 21-35 year olds by immersion in American society, industry and culture; so they can realise their aspirations and benefit the wider Nottinghamshire community.Mark has several advisory/steering committee positions throughout the Midlands and more locally sits as a Non-Executive Director for Forever Notts and Marketing Nottinghamshire – two important local organisations supporting the third sector and economic growth sectors respectively.

Treasurer/Secretary

Russ Blenkinsop (1983 Scholar)

Russ has worked as Finance Director for over three decades in the private, public and third sector. Starting out as a sponsored graduate with Courtaulds plc he started work in Nottingham, remained in the Textile industry and was seconded to Liberty Fabrics Inc for six years in the beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia. He then worked for Bell Fruit Games in Lenton, Nottingham before working for two local Housing Associations (Acis Group based in Lincolnshire and Spirita based in Nottingham).
A keen sportsman, Russ was cofounder and chairman of Lowdham Colts Football Club, a thriving local junior football club. He is also a regular team player at Magdala Lawn Tennis Club and was until recently a part time sailor at Notts County Sailing Club. Russ lives in Lowdham with his wife Liz who he met through the scholarship in 1983. His children, Alex and Rhian, now both live in Boston. 

Sam Lux (2019 Scholar)

Sam Lux was awarded the Nottingham Roosevelt Scholarship in 2019 and studied urban sustainability across 11 US cities. She currently works on green economy policy at a development bank, having previously served as a net zero policy advisor in government, where she helped deliver a national small business campaign ahead of COP26.
In May 2023, Sam was elected as a councillor to represent Castle ward in Nottingham. She is vice chair of the city’s planning committee and sits on the health and wellbeing board.
Sam was selected to join edie’s 30 under 30 programme for future sustainability leaders in 2020.

Merlita Bryan became a Trustee when she was the Lord Mayor of Nottingham in 2013. Since then she has continued in her role as Trustee while remaining a councillor for the Arboretum Ward. Merlita went to the Ellis Guilford school in Basford, now lives in Canning Circus. Merlita founded and is organising this year’s Black Achievers Awards at NTU .

Megan Powell Vreeswijk

Megan Powell Vreeswijk is the newly appointed chief executive officer for Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (MNG). She brings over two decades of business expertise and was previously the head of enterprise at Nottingham Trent University she spearheaded the launch of the Dryden Enterprise Centre in 2021.

Katrina Starkie (Secretary)

Katrina Starkie, Space and Community Manager at the Dryden Enterprise Centre, balances championing marketing, supporting entrepreneurs, and growing businesses. After studying Broadcast Journalism at NTU, she co-founded a successful film production company during her 3rd year, eventually merging it with a prominent marketing agency. Named Marketing Director, she garnered accolades while collaborating with global clients. Returning to Nottingham Trent University in 2021, she now oversees the Dryden Enterprise Centre, ensuring its facilities thrive and serve as a hub for entrepreneurial innovation.

Recognised with the Rising Star Award at the National Enterprise Educator Awards 2023, Katrina underscores the vital role of individuals like herself in shaping entrepreneurial minds. Working with the NTU Enterprise team Katrina is building vibrant community where ideas flourish and success stories unfold in the heart of Nottingham.

Before becoming a Councillor, Jan worked in the optical business for thirty years, both in the corporate field and for seven years in her own practice. Her experience in management, organisational skills, and conflict resolution informed her decision to run for public office in 2015. Jan has 9 years of experience as a Councillor, previously serving on the Stapleford Town Council and Broxtowe Borough Council. In 2022/2023, Jan had the honour of serving as the Mayor of Stapleford, during which she conducted proceedings for the Queen’s passing, as well as for the Proclamation of the new King in Walter Parker Memorial Square.
Jan proudly supports the traditions and protocols of the civic head role as she aims to serve her local community and the people of Nottinghamshire, with the support of her family and friends.

Keith Taylor was awarded the scholarship in 1959 when he was a divisional manager at Raleigh Industries and lived first, in the City (The Park) and then the County of Nottingham (Kinoulton). He spent 20 years at Board level in UK manufacturing industry, particularly global automotive components, followed by 20 years as a management consultant working primarily for Central Government Departments and Executive Agencies. For his National Service, he was commissioned into the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and served in Korea (1951) and then the Parachute Regiment (TA). He has numerous military connections and is currently Chairman of the British Army Benevolent Fund America (BABFA). His third book was published in 2009 (www.garnerbooks.com) and is the illustrated diary of his 1959 Scholarship trip, the first by car (17300 miles in 4 months!), including photographs of Mrs Roosevelt taken at Valkill Cottage, Hyde Park. Father of three adult children and grandfather of six, he met his partner, Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle, on his Scholarship in San Francisco in 1959.

Richard spent 18 years in communications and brand-related roles, working in management roles for Egg, Captial One, EY, and Citibank. He joined Experian in 2012 to lead the internal communications function in the UK & Ireland, with his team being awarded in-house team of the year at the 2014 Institute of Internal Communications (IOIC) awards. In 2016 Richard was given additional responsibility to lead the Corporate Responsibility agenda for the UK, and in 2018 he shed his internal communications role to combine his CR activities with leading Experian’s global Social Innovation programme.

Nottingham born and bred, Richard is an avid Notts County fan and, having previously sat on the Board of Governors at Young Enterprise East Midlands and Nottingham College, he is presently a Governor at the Nottingham Growth Board. He holds a BSc in Communication and Media Studies from Loughborough, an MBA from the University of Derby and is a qualified MBTI practitioner and level 2 football coach. Additionally he is a fellow of the IOIC.

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Born in Algeria, Malika moved to the UK after being awarded a scholarship to pursue doctoral study. She completed a PhD in Education at Nottingham Trent University, with research interests focused on self-efficacy in learning and research methodologies, reflecting a sustained interest in how people develop confidence and capability through education.

Following the completion of her PhD, Malika works at a law firm as a Multi-Services Operator and contributes to the Learning and Development function. She is also a panel member of the Independent Research Ethics Committee (IREC), supporting the ethical review and governance of research activity. As a Trustee and Treasurer, she brings academic expertise, professional experience, and a personal understanding of how scholarship support can contribute to personal growth and professional development.

Conor Naughton has called Nottingham home since arriving as a student ten years ago, and the city has shaped his career and values ever since. With a background spanning small charities, higher education and social impact, his work is rooted in values-led leadership and a genuine commitment to people and purpose.

Conor has held student engagement leadership roles at both of Nottingham’s universities, most notably serving as a two-year President and Chair of the Board at Nottingham Trent Students’ Union and as a Governor of Nottingham Trent University. Beyond his professional roles, he has volunteered widely across the city and is passionate about Nottingham, its people, and the incredible work happening across the county.

Now a Senior Consultant at Peridot Partners, Conor works with charities to recruit exceptional leaders and board members, bringing sector insight and a warm, people-first approach. A proud young trustee, he has held board roles with three organisations before the age of 30, including the British Youth Council, and currently serves as Deputy Chair of Salford Students’ Union. His focus on youth, education and social mobility makes the Roosevelt Scholarship a cause he is honoured to support.

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Biography to follow