by | Mar 30, 2026

Big News: SMK appoints Katie Roberts as new Chief Executive Officer

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) is delighted to announce the appointment of Katie Roberts as its new Chief Executive Officer.

As our interim CEO for the past year, Katie has demonstrated a clear and compelling vision for how SMK can help campaigners thrive in these uncertain times.

As our recent survey has shown, campaigners are facing increasingly difficult conditions and need the support of organisations like SMK more than ever.

Katie’s values-led leadership and deep commitment to empowering others to deliver social change are exactly what SMK, and the wider UK campaigning ecosystem need at this moment.” Nicole Itano, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Katie brings a strong track record of delivering impact, nurturing collaborative relationships, and championing social change. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for SMK as it continues its mission to support changemakers across the UK.

“I am so grateful for the trust the SMK team and the Board have placed in me and my leadership, and I am very excited about continuing to work alongside our inspirational partners and campaigners to shape a more hopeful and just future.” SMK CEO Katie Roberts

Emma Boyd

Emma Boyd is the Head of Marketing and Communications at SMK, and has worked in the charity sector over the past 20 years- in the arts, human rights, and women’s rights sectors. She began her career in arts management, on photography and film projects, and later moved into campaigning and strategic communications as a consultant and within organisations. Charity communications have been a big part of her career, with her campaigning work largely focused on issues related to gender-based violence and human rights. She was also a trustee with Reducing the Risk of Domestic Violence for four years.

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