Chair

Hailey Davidson

Hailey took over as Chair in 2022 after four years as Vice Chair. She is also the co-ordinator for the Scottish region and leads a busy family life with two children and two dogs to keep her on her toes. Hailey is an enthusiastic and dedicated Chair with an in depth knowledge of the DSAuk and is very involved with the staff and supporting the board.

Vice Chair

Jess Benyon 

Jess is a teacher and has been a Trustee since 2019, she was appointed as Vice Chair in early 2023 and she is looking forward to supporting the Chair  over the next four years in her term as vice Chair. Jess is passionate about equality and making sport a choice for all as well as improving health and wellbeing for all our members. She also is the West Midlands region co-ordinator for the DSAuk and Jess is also a swim teacher and a keen swimmer.

Treasurer

Catherine Holland

Catherine has been the Treasurer of the Charity for over six years and as a professional accountant has been a great help in our financial management over the years. Catherine has a young son and enjoys live music and family days out. Catherine is an independent member of the management of the Charity.

Fundraising

Mike Williams

Mike is an independent trustee and worked with us on our first Children in Need bid as a consultant. He was impressed with what the DSA did and worked with us on fundraising bids before becoming a Trustee in 2016. Mike works very closely with the Association Manager and also over sees the regular assessments of the 10 year strategy. He also facilitates many of the boards working days.

Athlete Representative

Krysten Coombs

Krysten has been a Trustee for seven years and as a successful Paralympian and overall accomplished sportsman he has been the athlete representative for the last six years.

Parents Representative

Sohrab Ghavami

Sohrab has a son with dwarfism and has been a volunteer and supporter of the charity for many years. He joined the board as a Trustee in 2022. Sohrab is now retired and offers a wealth of contacts and knowledge to the board.

Staff line manager and Safeguarding

Colin Brown

Colin has been a Trustee since 2020 and has recently moved to be our staff line manager. Colin has a background in team management and HR and brings his years of experience to this essential role. Colin is a full member of the DSA and is a very keen on keep fit and supporting the Scottish region.

Trustees

Rebecca Bedford  – 

I have been part of the board since 2019. I have recently completed a Masters Degree in Public History and Heritage. I train with British Weightlifting as part of the GB Powerlifting team and competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
 

 

Rachel Myers – Rachel is a mum of a DSA member and joined the board as a Trustee in 2021 to support the board and help represent the parents of our members.

Non Voting positions 

Ambassadors

Arthur Dean OBE – President  –  Arthur is one the founders of the Charity and has been the Chair of the DSAuk and is currently Chair of the International Dwarf Sports Federation

Penny Dean OBE –  Penny has been the Chair of the DSAuk and supports with her extensive knowledge from a broad knowledge base including health and wellbeing as well as sport.

April Barrett  MBE – April Chaired the DSAuk during the time that the charity moved its base of delivery into Birmingham and was a long term Trustee of the Activity Alliance

Steve Scott MBE – Steve is another ex chair with eight years experience of chairing the DSA and brings advice and business acumen to the charity. Steve is also a Magistrate.

Associates

Stephen Williams  – A father of a successful swimmer and successful board member of many organisations.

Luke Hockley – Long term member of the DSA and keen football player.

Olivia Broome – Long term member of the DSA and Paralympic and GB Powerlifter

Kathryn Walters  –  Regional helper and long term member of the DSAuk

Tom Smith – GB powerlifter and keen supporter and member of the DSAuk.