About
Our Staff
We have a small team of staff at the foodbank who work alongside our amazing volunteers. As well as getting food to those who need it, our work includes welfare support, advocacy, and campaigns for change.
John McCorry
Chief Executive Officer
John has been our Chief Executive Officer since 2018. Prior to joining the Foodbank, John led voluntary organisations in the north-east and in Northern Ireland focused on community regeneration and anti-poverty programmes in mainly disadvantaged communities. His track record demonstrates considerable experience in partnership building and delivering local regeneration to make a positive difference.
Email: [email protected]
Laura Willis
Administrator
Laura joined the team in January 2020 having previously volunteered at The Venerable Bede Foodbank sessions. She has over 20 years of business experience running her own Financial Sales and Telemarketing company. Laura is based in our Benwell Lane office and looks after the client, volunteer and referral agency administration as well as the Foodbank finances.
Email: [email protected]
Carole Rowland
Pathways, Welfare and Volunteer Manager
Carole has been our Pathways, Welfare and Volunteer Manager since January 2020. Before this she was a volunteer having joined us in October 2017. Prior to joining the Foodbank Carole worked extensively in local and national press and radio and in high level press and publicity roles. Her local knowledge and networking skills ensure that Pathways is recognised as one of the leading advocacy services in Newcastle. Now in its third successful year, Pathways liaises with over 60 local welfare agencies and charities.
Email: [email protected]
Gemma Whaley
Operations and Logistics Manager
Gemma joined the Foodbank team in 2015 whilst studying towards a Public Health Degree. Before her current role, Gemma worked in various roles within the Foodbank including van driving and donation collections. Gemma’s work involves improving and maintaining supply chains and stock flows, warehouse management, scheduling corporate social responsibility volunteering and general day-to-day operations of the Foodbank.
Email: [email protected]
Declan Mulholland
Communications & Campaigns Manager
Declan joined the Foodbank team in April 2023 after having worked in communications within industry. Prior to joining the Foodbank, Declan was involved in trade union and cost of living campaigns. Declan’s role involves overseeing all communications for the foodbank as well as developing and creating campaigns designed to address the causes and issues leading to poverty.
Email: [email protected]
Jack King
Wellbeing and Advocacy Support Worker
Jack joined the Foodbank team in October 2022 as Wellbeing and Advocacy Support Worker. Jack supports the Pathway’s program through providing advice and welfare support to clients. Prior to joining the Foodbank team Jack completed a degree in Psychology.
Email: [email protected]
Courtney Knowles
Welfare Advisor
Courtney joined the Foodbank team in 2021 as a Welfare Advisor. Courtney supports the Pathway’s program through providing expert welfare advice to clients. Prior to joining the Foodbank team, Courtney had provided welfare advice for other charities.
Email: [email protected]
Richard Whinney
Warehouse Operative
Richard joined the Foodbank team in May 2022 and is responsible for managing the warehouse, he also helps run sessions in the east of the city. Prior to joining the Foodbank, Richard had worked in local government.
Email: [email protected]
Tim Boyers
Pantry Manager
Tim joined the Team in September 2023 and works with Jude as Pantry Supervisor. Prior to joining the team, Tim had managed cafes around Newcastle and worked for Newcastle City Council.
Email: tim@nclwefb.org
Jude Brodie
Pantry Supervisor
Jude joined the Team in May 2023 alongside Mel as Pantry Supervisor and assists Mel in the running of the pantry network. Prior to joining the team, Jude had worked in hospitality.
Email: [email protected]