Our Leadership Team

Introducing our leadership team, a diverse group of experts dedicated to fostering a positive work environment and ensuring long-term success for our young people. With their shared vision and leadership abilities, they enhance inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration across all departments, from Marketing and Digital to HR and Programme Development.

Central to the programme are our Pathways Coordinators, who support young people and mentors within school pastoral and guidance teams, nurturing strong relationships. They are supported by Mentor Services Coordinators, who skillfully source and match mentors with programme participants.

Together, our MCR team and mentors drive positive change, empowering young people to cultivate Motivation, Commitment, and Resilience, and unlock their full potential.

Leadership Team

Fay MacRitchie

Chief Executive Officer

Fay is our Chief Executive Officer. She joined MCR in 2020 and works with the team and trustees to set and achieve our strategic goals. Fay completed a degree in African Studies from The University of Birmingham, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a Master’s qualification in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at Manchester Metropolitan University. Previous roles include leading School Improvement and Governance services in Cumbria, executive consultancy, and Headteacher in central Manchester. Fay also has a professional background and continued interest in inclusion and diversity, mental health, corporate social responsibility and social mobility.

Caroline Maddocks

South East England Programme Director

Caroline is our Programme Director in South East England. She joined MCR in 2022 and works with the team, Local Authorities and schools to bring the MCR programme to young people across the region. A graduate of the University of Reading, Caroline worked in marketing and was a Business Development Director before moving into education. As a school leader, Caroline was an Assistant Headteacher and led on disadvantaged young people, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and safeguarding. Her passion for the former led her to MCR Pathways. Caroline also has a professional background in SEND and the wellbeing of young people.

Neil Pentland

Operations Director

A keen cyclist and runner, Neil is easily identified as the one covered in sweat, blood and dirt after a tumble on the way to the office. After attending the University of Strathclyde, Neil began a career in third party logistics before moving to the charity sector with Mary’s Meals, which provides children a meal in a place of education in some of the world’s poorest countries. During his career Neil has worked in a number of operations and process improvement roles. Since joining MCR in May 2023 he has focused on ensuring our systems and processes maximise mentor recruitment, engage our young people and ensure our mentoring relationships flourish and impact.

Raymond Porter

Partnerships Director

A mentor in his seventh year, Raymond joined MCR in 2022 as their National Partnership Director. He is responsible for building and maintaining partnerships with organisations across all sectors, with the goal of engaging volunteer mentors. Late to further education, studying Reparation Law and Health and Safety in his mid to late thirties, Raymond left Glasgow City Council’s Corporate Team after twenty-five years to create Scotland’s first permanent, full-time food market. He remains involved in the food and drink sector. Raymond is a lover of family, food and food culture, art history, travelling and football.

Scotland Programme Director

We are excited to be welcoming our Scotland Programme Director who will be joining us very soon.

Lynne McKenzie-Juetten

People & HR Director

Lynne is an HR professional with over fifteen years’ experience working in the social housing sector. She is passionate about staff development and wellbeing, believing that people do their best work when they are truly supported. Lynne feels strongly that every young person deserves a safe place to call home. She is proud to be a Board Member of SAY Women, a charity that supports young women threatened with homelessness. Lynne is a keen runner and enjoys being outdoors, over the last couple of years she has discovered a love of cold water and can often be found swimming in waterfalls and lochs.

Donna Cunningham

Head of Schools Programme, Glasgow

Donna has been involved in the creation of the MCR programme since its inception in 2007. The programme’s success and growth, benefitting thousands of young people, has been one of her proudest achievements. She has thirty-nine years experience in Glasgow education across the secondary school sector and in more strategic roles. She has enjoyed all of her roles and the journey shared with her colleagues, many of whom have become lifelong friends. She has won national awards for the various projects that she has been involved in. Those who know her will confirm that she needs to have fun at work whilst being very driven for the best outcomes. When she isn’t working Donna enjoys spending time with her family. Friends, fitness, socialising and travelling are the most important things in her life.

Colin Adam

Head of Digital

Often found staring intently at a screen while wearing bright (and often questionable) shirts, Colin is our Head of Digital. He is responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies and new systems. With a rich history at MCR, Colin has been actively involved in the charity since 2016, initially in voluntary and consultancy roles before joining in 2019. Colin is a graduate of the University of Glasgow and Strathclyde Business School with two degrees in Economics. A short odyssey through economic development, marketing, web design and co-founding a social media startup has led Colin to systems design. In his spare time, Colin likes to travel coastal Britain with his fiancé Grant while sampling various pubs.

Mandy Choi

Head of Experience and Engagement

Mandy has been involved with MCR since 2017, firstly as a mentor which inspired her to join the team shortly after. Having supported four young people to date in her mentoring journey, Mandy has a passion for ensuring care experienced young people are given a platform to flourish. In 2022, Mandy completed her postgraduate degree in Careers Guidance and Development following a 12 year span of working in advice, guidance, outreach and employability with students, young offenders, care experienced young people and their support groups.

Pamela Armstrong

Head of Mentor Services

Maybe classed as mature in age but very young at heart, Pamela is our National Mentor Recruitment Manager. Pamela’s journey began at the young age of fifteen when she embarked on her career as a Product Machinist. As she grew, so did her ambition, leading her to become a Work Study Engineer. However, after twenty year in manufacturing, Pamela decided to pursue a new path driven by her passion for supporting others. This led her to the field of Employability, where she honed her skills and expertise. Today, she brings her invaluable experience and dedication to her role at MCR. Outside of work, Pamela loves being in the great outdoors.