Executive Team/Board Members

Trustees of the Young Programme
Junior Deslandes, Fiona MacDonald, Alan McIntyre, Islay McLeod (Chair), Mairi Clare Rodgers, Amanda Williams

Founder of the Young Programme
Kenneth Roy

Junior Deslandes

Junior has an incredible story of survival and, despite having experienced much adversity, he has gone on to become a motivational speaker, speaking at a number of high-profile events. He is also a probation officer, and currently works with high risk children for West Sussex County Council.

Fiona MacDonald

Following an early career in local radio and several years in publishing, Fiona has been involved with the Young Programme since its inception back in 2002. She recently retired as managing director of the organisation but continues her support on the board.

Alan McIntyre

Alan is a recent PhD graduate in American history (Glasgow University) and is also vice chairman for banking at Accenture, the technology consulting firm. He is international board chair of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Alan lives in Darien in Connecticut but is a frequent visitor to Scotland.

Islay McLeod

Islay joined the Young Programme in 2006 as an administration assistant. She is now chair of the board of trustees, director, adjudicator and attends every event. Previously, she was editor of the former online current affairs journal, Scottish Review, from 2018 until 2023. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and loves to spent time with her two Westies.

Josh Moir

Josh is an artist and writer from Dundee. His work explores the themes of place, personal experience and pop-culture focusing on portraiture, illustration and printmaking. He also works in public speaking, where he shares his experience of being diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 27, addressing health promotion and art as a tool for sharing stories from underrepresented groups.

Marie Richmond

Marie is a former delegate of the programme and took part way back in 2003 in Pitlochry. She is a keen supporter of the programme and its values. Professionally, she is a senior manager within the NHS. Outside of work, Marie is mum to a fantastic son and loves to read and walk. She is currently attempting to get fit and, although not always successful, she believes there is a beauty in trying.

Mairi Clare Rodgers

Mairi Clare is the founder of social enterprise Greater Good Comms ltd, an ethical marketing agency. She has vast experience of devising and delivering communication campaigns on challenging issues in the third and public sector. She continues to work only for values-based organisations that are making positive change, supporting them to speak in their own voice and be heard.

YP Organising Team 2026/27

The Young Programme has a team of volunteers who assist with our events on a regular basis.

Austin Bicknell

Austin is a civil servant in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Ireland. His work involves the development of legislation relating to Ireland’s energy grid. A native of Seattle, he took part in the Young Ireland Programme in June 2025. In his spare time, Austin enjoys swimming, hiking, travel and reading.

Elliot Boakes

Elliot has been involved with the Young Programme since 2018. A passionate lover of arts and culture, Elliot is the head of business operations at University of the Arts London. In his spare time, Elliot loves going to the theatre, including seeing more than 40 shows every year at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Jamie Grace

Jamie is a planning and data specialist with experience in finance and public service-related industries. He is the official timekeeper of the Young Local Authority of the Year competition and regular team member. In his free time, Jamie enjoys all forms of media and is a great fan of the Sci-fi and fantasy genre.

Ryan Mason

Ryan has worked in banking for over 13 years and currently works for Revolut. In his spare time, he's normally in the gym or playing video games! He first attended the Young Programme as a delegate back in 2015 and has been back numerous times to help out as a member of the team.

Aaron Quinn

Aaron is a civil servant in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Ireland. He works in the Minister’s office, and is also a delegation liaison officer for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He enjoys painting miniatures, reading old books, watching old films and educating people on Irish history with Oireas Historical Services.

Hemerson Ramos

Hemerson works for Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council in Ireland, where he contributes to local governance and community development. In his spare time, he enjoys meeting friends, playing board games, and organising activities within his local community.

Our Team