Our Board

David Wilkinson

Chair

Dave recently retired as an Assistant Director at Doncaster Council, where he gained over 20 years’ experience of senior management within the Local Authority sector.  He has over 30 years’ experience as a school governor and previously chaired the governing bodies of a large primary school and small junior school in his hometown of Mexborough.

Milcah Walusimbi

Tenant Board Member

Milcah is a mother of two and works as a Family Time Work with Doncaster Council.  Before that, Milcah worked as a Support Worker with one of the leading learning disability support non governmental organisations. Milcah moved from London to live in Doncaster 23 years ago. She has been a school governor at a primary school in Mexborough. She loves reading, is a people person and an advocate for those that are vulnerable. 

Barry Keable

Tenant Board Member

Barry has 40 years experience working for several large multi - national organisations in the consumer electronics and telecommunications sectors, holding senior management posts in Quality Assurance and Customer Services.  Nearing retirement, he moved into Health and Social Care supporting disabled adults with their social activities and work placements and helping them to maintain a safe environment in their homes.

Karen Leroy

Tenant Board Member

Karen was born in Glasgow but has lived in Yorkshire most of her life and has settled in Doncaster.  She has 4 grown children.   Karen has a wide range of qualifications and experiences that she will bring to this role. She is an award-winning artist and crafter amongst other achievements.

Loving being part of her local community, Karen is keen to give back and is excited to be able to use her skills and experiences to make a positive input  to the Board for tenants across Doncaster. 

Trevor Mason

Independent Board Member and Vice Chair

Trevor has over 25 years’ experience at director level across public service and the private training and education sector. Whilst Trevor is now retired. he has worked as a Chief Executive, latterly with a large regional based charity and social enterprise focusing on the physical and skills development and regeneration of deprived areas. Trevor brings considerable experience of working at a strategic level in financial management and business planning & delivery and has been on our Board for the last six years.

Susan Jones

Independent Board Member

Susan is currently Chief People Officer at Maria Mallaband Care Group, operating 80 care homes (c5500 employees) around the UK. She has over 14 years’ experience operating at both Executive and Board Level in a number of successful retail, financial and professional services organisations.  Susan has been a Board member for over 10 years, previously holding the position of Chair of Trustees at Thornton Grammar School for several years, and also as a Trustee for a regional Charitable Trust.

Sarah Smith

Councillor Board Member

Sarah is a councillor serving the Adwick & Carcroft ward since 2021 and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care. As an artist, researcher, associate lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, and a NHS Qualified Therapeutic Radiographer specializing in cancer research & care, she blends creativity with expertise to drive change.

With a freelance portfolio of projects spanning from NHS England, HM Probation Services, Sports England, CRUK and more, Sarah's passion lies in creating inclusive, engaging projects & outcomes with the people who use them. She's a fervent believer in collaboration, working closely with communities to co-produce meaningful policies, projects and initiatives. Drawing from her own experiences as a carer, and as someone living with chronic health issues & disability, she's a staunch advocate for accessibility and working with communities to create positive change in both policy and practice.

Phil Cole

Councillor Board Member

Phil has been a councillor since 2012 to serve Edlington and Warmsworth.  Phil is also Cabinet Member for Finance, Trade Services and Planning.  He has a wide range of knowledge and involvement in community issues both within his Ward and across the Borough.  He was the senior political advisor to Rt Hon Caroline Flint for 22 years. 

Allan Jones

Councillor Board Member

Allan was elected to Finningley ward in 2002. He is presently a member of City of Doncaster Council Overview and Management Committee, he has recently been co-opted onto Finningley Parish Council.  He has a wide range of knowledge and involvement in community issues and is committed to delivering effective efficient services which meet customer’s needs.

Chris Margrave

Chief Executive

Chris joined St Leger Homes in January 2021. 

He is an experienced property services professional with over 30 years expertise. Chris's previous positions include Director of Investment and Director of Assets at Wakefield and District Housing. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB) and a property health and safety professional with a passion for property compliance. 

He has a track record of driving improvement in construction, asset management, building and fire safety, property compliance, investment and repairs and maintenance.