Trustees and advisors

The dedication, skills and experience of our Trustees and advisors are vital in delivering our life changing projects

We are governed by our UK Board. Our Zambian Board is subsidiary to the UK Board with specific responsibility for compliance in Zambia, monitoring programme performance and external risks.
Thank you to all our Trustees and advisors who generously volunteer their time.
United Kingdom and Zambia Trustees
Ronnie Fleming
Chair of UK Board
Ronnie has been a Trustee since 2014, and became Chair in March 2019. Ronnie runs his own executive coaching and management consultancy business. Ronnie is also a founding director of Mission Direct, a Christian charity that works in developing countries including Africa.
Liz Elston Mayhew
Deputy Chair of UK Board
Liz became a Trustee in 2012 following a successful career in corporate lending and managing her own international relocation business.
Graham Wickenden
Treasurer of UK Board
Graham is a Chartered Accountant and MBA who has been finance director of several international companies. Most recently, Graham volunteered as interim Head of Finance for Farm Africa in Ethiopia.
Wilson Sumaili
Interim Chair of Zambia Board
Wilson has enjoyed a career in senior management in vocational skills training including running a Trades School in Zambia. On ‘retiring’ Wilson was the senior administrator for the Anglican Church in Zambia until 2017.
Nasir Ali
Treasurer of Zambia Board
Nasir Ali is a qualified chartered accountant and a member of ZICA and ICAEW. Nasir has over 20 years of professional experience working with firms across the world and was a senior partner at PwC Zambia until 2020. Nasir has been in Zambia since 2010, and works with several donors and NGOs there.
Florence Bearman
UK Board
Florence has over a decade of experience in fundraising for international development organisations. Florence is currently the head of Fundraising for Transaid, a charity that also has a significant presence in Zambia.
Esther Kapisa-Chisenga
Zambia Board
Esther is a human resource and industrial relations expert with 18 years of experience. Esther is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Auxiliary Management Services and serves as a Mediator in the High Court of Zambia.
Lucie Kasanga
Zambia Board
Lucie began her career as the first Zambian female civil engineer. Lucie has worked widely in the construction sector including on projects for CARE International, as a commission member of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and currently leads on a conflict resolution body as part of the electoral commission.
Sharon Jackson
UK Board
Sharon has been a supporter and advisor to Build It since 2008, and a Trustee since 2020. Sharon runs her own Fundraising Consultancy and has been active in the charity sector for more than 20 years.
Chris James
UK Board
Chris is a chartered construction professional. Chris’s early career was spent with Tarmac managing construction projects in the transport and secure accommodation sectors. Working for Carillion Chris was involved in Health projects, Education and airport construction. Chris is also experienced in construction training and been an adviser to Build It since 2016.
Griffin Nyirongo
Zambia Board
Griffin is an economist with a long career in government, academia, international organisations and the private sector, including UNDP, International Labour Organisation and the diplomatic service.
Francis Mwale
Zambia Board
Francis is a lawyer currently practising with the Director of Public Prosecutions in Lusaka.
Francis Mwape
Zambia Board
Francis is a civil engineer with 30 years experience in Zambia, most recently as Deputy Director of the National Construction Council. Francis is also the Zambia representative for the World Skills Council.
Our advisors
Peter Bedford
Human Resources
Richard Boak
Technical and management
Rob Fielding
Sustainable architecture
Abigail Gammie
Strategy and partnerships
Rueben Lifuka
Zambia civil society, governance and socio-political issues
Nick Lyon
Public Relations
Martin Mulenga
Water and sanitation
David Musendo
Monitoring and evaluation
Dr Andrew Sentance CBE
Strategy and governance
Deborah Smith
(BuroHappold Engineering)
Construction
Our ambassadors
Danni Menzies
TV and Radio Presenter