Catherine Boobbyer grew up in a home where both her parents worked with MRA / IofC.  In the 1970s, they moved to Cape Town, where Catherine spent her youth. In those apartheid years, she helped to organise multi-racial youth camps run by IofC. It was through both church and these camps that her Christian faith was nurtured. 

Catherine completed a degree in history at Oxford University and a teaching qualification, later specialising in teaching dyslexic pupils. For over 30 years, Catherine has lived and worked in boarding school environments, in England, South Africa and Ireland, alongside her educator husband. She has a BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and now works with the Chaplaincy and Pastoral care team at one of Dublin’s universities as well as counselling private clients.  

Gerry Doherty is a qualified mechanical engineer and company director, and a lifelong resident of Derry, Northern Ireland. He has over 36 years’ post-qualification experience in industry, and has held commercial managerial roles at board level, specialising in company growth development, acquisitions and divestitures. Gerry has extensive experience in the aerospace, automotive, energy, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. He brings to IofC a deep Christian faith and a passion for producing positive strategic results for companies and charities. He is a dedicated supporter of Derry’s Foyle Hospice.

Roddy was born in Jamaica and spent time in Lebanon, Ethiopia, and India, working with Initiatives of Change. On returning to Jamaica, he co-founded Walkerswood Caribbean Foods in his village alongside other community leaders.  The company grew into a successful enterprise, generating employment, processing local produce and creating a brand now sold on both sides of the Atlantic.  He chaired the company for several years, contributing to its growth and international reputation. 

Roddy has carried key responsibilities within IofC, has played an active role in its outreach programmes and served as a special advisor to the Board.  He is committed to community development and fostering ethical leadership, drawing on his diverse global experience, inspired by a Christian vision that embraces people of all faiths and none. 

Paul is a former National Director of Initiatives of Change UK and also brings to the Board a wide experience of leadership in the church and social activism.  He is an Honorary Fellow at the Edward Cadbury Centre, University of Birmingham and a Senior Fellow at the Next Century Foundation. He is the founder of Track2talks, which facilitates conversations, analysis and interventions in divided communities.  Paul’s focus is on building trust between individuals by discerning the subtleties of human behaviour and situational analysis. With two decades of experience, he has been involved in negotiations in the realms of diplomacy, business, and religious settings around the world.

Joi, who lives in Kentucky, USA, brings to the Board a transatlantic perspective and significant expertise in democratic politics. Formerly Executive Director at Louisville Metro Government, she is now pursuing a PhD while serving as a graduate instructor at the University of Louisville. A seasoned leader in government, education, and workforce development, Joi has advanced equity through data-driven strategies, policy reform, and community engagement. She has led multi-million-dollar initiatives, built strategic partnerships, and mobilised over 40,000 residents in anti-racism work. Her deep understanding of the moral and cultural dimensions of race relations informs her service on nonprofit boards and civic commissions, reflecting a strong commitment to youth development, equity, and transformational change. Joi’s faith in Christ is her guiding light, and she serves in her local church as a volunteer in the children’s ministry. 

Michael, who lives in Angers, France, also serves as a board member of the Conseil d’Administration of our French partners, Initiatives et Changements. He has worked professionally for over four decades with an international Catholic charity, Fondacio, in the service of marginalised communities.  This included 5 years in Malaysia and 10 years in the Philippines, as programme manager.  He has also established another charity, Entrepreneurs du Monde which aims to combat poverty through entrepreneurship.  Michael brings to the board expert knowledge of charity governance and financial management and reinforces our link with France and the wider European IofC network.

David brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the technology sector. As the former Chair of IBM UK, and with senior executive roles across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, he has developed deep expertise in strategy, business transformation, organisational governance, and building diverse, high-performing teams. His global perspective is shaped by living and working in Australia, China, France, Spain, and the Czech Republic. 

In addition to his professional achievements, David is Chair of Project Kimbo, a Catholic charity dedicated to developing vital facilities and educational opportunities for children in rural Uganda. He also serves on his parish finance committee. 

David is honoured to join the Board of Trustees and is excited to contribute his experience during this period of transformation and growth. He looks forward to working with the charity to advance its Christian purpose in the service of communities in need.