Executive Officers and Trustees
Sue O'Hara - CEO
Sue O’Hara worked in the commercial management sector for many years before joining BlindAid, having worked predominantly in Global Corporate Relocation as a senior policy and group move director for clients of FTSE 100 organisations in the private, public & third sectors. Additional experience also includes advertising and public affairs; as well as working as a voluntary bereavement counsellor for a number of years. Sue joined BlindAid in 2009 and was appointed to CEO in 2012.
Ajay Rawal: Chair of Trustees
Ajay leads the Financial Services Leader sector in the EY Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe & Central Asia (CESA) region. He also works with accounts teams in other emerging markets in EMEIA, including Africa, India and MENA, to drive transformative growth on priority international accounts. Ajay was appointed to the Board in October 2022 and took over the role of Chair of the Charity in 2023
Natalie de Silva
Natalie de Silva is currently Chief Executive of the charity Age UK Wandsworth, which supports vulnerable older people with a variety of services in the borough of Wandsworth. She is an innovative and strategic leader with specialist experience and training in change management. Prior to leadership in the voluntary sector, Natalie worked in education for two decades, serving as a teacher and then headteacher in inner city London schools. Natalie was appointed to the Board in October 2022
Alison Gordon
Alison has spent 40+ years in the voluntary sector mobilising funding to improve the lives of vulnerable and marginalised people across the world. Working at senior and Director levels in leading international charities, she specialised in strategy development and implementation with a focus on income diversification and organisational financial sustainability. Since her early 20s, Alison has lived and worked with Stargardt disease (an uncommon form of macular degeneration) so understands the challenges faced by visually impaired people, all of whom have the right and potential to enjoy fulfilled and dignified lives. Alison was appointed to the Board in October 2022
Rachel Holdsworth
Rachel studied biological sciences at the University of Oxford before moving into the investment management industry. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and now works for Ruffer LLP where she manages portfolios for a range of private clients, corporations and charities. She is also a volunteer at BlindAid. Rachel was appointed to the Board in November 2021
Ryan Rutter: Treasurer
Ryan is a Financial Analyst at Lloyds Banking Group. He holds a BSc in Banking, Finance and Management from Loughborough University. He has also worked across Risk Management and Relationship Management roles during his 4+ years in the financial sector. Ryan was appointed to the Board in November 2023.
Adam Sandelson
Adam Sandelson is a Senior BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist, and has been Accredited since 1993. He worked for 11 years in the NHS, including managing a local counselling service covering 13 GP practices. He also has 16 years experience managing a large counselling service and then as a senior manager for counselling, mental health and disability at the London School of Economics (LSE). Adam is passionate about working to improve services to marginalised and disabled people, and has a personal interest in supporting individuals who are having to come to terms with a visual impairment and sight loss. Adam was appointed to the Board in October 2022
John Small
John is an Associate Director in the Transactional Risks practice at insurance services firm WTW. A lawyer by training, he spent many years advising global companies and government entities on complex transactions. John has a deep commitment to volunteering and in addition to his legal experience and qualifications has worked as a carer with autistic youth, is a British Army Reserve Officer and holds Masters degrees from both University College London and the University of Edinburgh. John was appointed to the Board in March 2023
Dimitra Spyridonidou
Dimitra Spyridonidou is a Senior corporate Credit Analyst at Fitch Ratings. She holds a BSc in Economics, a MSc in Finance from City University London and MSc in Business Analytics from Imperial College London. She has worked in the financial services since 2015, having worked as a financial analyst for various organisations prior to joining Fitch Ratings. Dimitra was appointed to the Board in November 2023