The Trustees of the Spartans Community Foundation are thrilled to announce the appointment of Debbi McCulloch as its new Chief Executive Officer, after a UK wide recruitment process run by Executive Search firm FWB.
Debbi will bring exceptional leadership, passion and dedication to the role, building on the Foundation’s reputation as both an innovator and leader in delivering social impact through sport and physical activity.
Debbi has been a highly valued member of the Spartans Community Foundation leadership team for the last 15 years. Her commitment to the vision and values of the Foundation has been exemplary.
Debbi is delighted: “Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Dougie for his leadership, support, friendship and passion over the past 15 years.
He has been a daily inspiration to us all, and has driven the Foundation’s strategy, success, and social impact to an incomparable level. For the difference you have made to so many people’s lives, and for the kind, thoughtful way you have done so, thank you.
“For myself, the opportunity to lead an organisation whose work is pivotal to changing people’s lives, is a tremendous privilege and honour. Over the past 15 years I have lived and worked in North Edinburgh.
“As we continue to help others, in whatever meaningful and relevant way we can, I am committed to making our local community a better place to work, live and thrive in. I look forward to working in partnership with the many fabulous people and organisations who share our passion for addressing and responding to the significant challenges we face as a society.”
Debbi is succeeding Douglas Samuel, whose contribution to the Foundation over the last 17 years has been immeasurable.
Douglas has been the embodiment of all that the Foundation seeks to achieve, and an inspiration to us all. We were delighted when his contribution was recognised with an MBE in 2022. We are also delighted that he will act as a consultant to the Foundation going forward.
Douglas said: “Coming from North Edinburgh, it’s been such a wonderful honour and privilege to be a part of the Foundation’s journey since it was formed in 2006. Not everyone gets to do their dream job.
“Being CEO has been just that, my dream job filled with so much love, joy and lots of special lifelong memories. It’s also a job which has given me so much. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with so many amazing and truly inspiring people from all over the world.
“To all the ‘blue coats’ and volunteers, I’d like to say a huge thank you to you for helping us to create a safe space, a ‘social home’ where people from all ages and backgrounds are truly welcome and can be themselves.
“I’d also like to give a special word of thanks to Craig Graham for giving me the opportunity to be a part of his dream. I’ll always be forever grateful and indebted to him. Lastly, huge congratulations to Debbi on her appointment, I can’t think of anyone else more suited and/or I’d rather see leading the Foundation going forward. Dream Big, Dream Fierce, always.”
Chairman Craig Graham concluded: “We owe Douglas a massive thank you. He has been the critical driving force behind our success.
“His input has made a massive difference to the lives of so many in North Edinburgh and it’s fantastic that he will continue to support Debbi, myself and the wider Spartans team in an advisory role.
“Debbi has been instrumental in our growth over the last 15 years and I am absolutely convinced that under her leadership the Foundation will deliver even greater social impact in our community in the years to come.
“Please join me in wishing Debbi all the best in her new role.”
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