Our Trustees

Liz O’Connor - Chair

Liz’s 30+ career in housing, and regeneration has involved supporting organisations through change and strengthening governance, learning from tenants and improving customer journeys plus working alongside dedicated frontline teams, building cultures where people feel valued and able to do their best work.

She believes that collective effort is what drives meaningful progress and is passionate about supporting others to grow through mentoring, communicating about careers in housing and building confidence during challenging times.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my career. These experiences shape everything I do, helping me understand the pressures and opportunities in our sector and the real difference that good services can make.

“I want TLA to be an organisation that people trust, one that listens, learns, and delivers support that changes lives for the better. As Chair, my role is to help us stay focused, grounded, and ambitious for the people who rely on us every day.”

Mike White - Trustee

Mike is the Regional Manager- South Yorks, Lincs and Nottinghamshire at Alzheimer's Society, and first joined the board of TLA in 2014, after a short period away he rejoined in 2019. Having worked in Supported Housing and Charities for nearly 30 years, starting out as a 'Project Worker' in a 'Therapeutic Community' supporting people with serious and complex mental health issues, he then moved into managing a team in a homeless hostel for men who had been through the criminal justice system. Mike first came into contact with TLA when started working for Leeds Federated Housing Association as Head of Supported Housing. Mike brings experience of managing supported housing services from multiple perspectives including service delivery, quality improvement, and regulatory and commissioning frameworks.

“I was very impressed by the work of TLA and it's unique place in supporting very vulnerable people with complex needs across Leeds and honoured to be asked to join TLA's Board of Trustees when I left Leeds Fed (to join the Alzheimer's Society where I still work as a Regional Manager).As part of my role, I am responsible for ensuring effective and robust governance and oversight is in place, ensuring that TLA meets the Consumer Standards in line with the requirements introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.”

Magdelana Ballance - Trustee

Joining the board in 2019 Magdalena originates from Poland and is a Chartered Architect and Masterplanner with over 20 years experience. Working for Wakefield based Spawforths Architects she brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of the planning and development of the private and public sector housing sector, her links to planners and developers and a history of volunteering for other organization's that help prevent poverty.

“I wanted to be a trustee for TLA, I thought I could bring a new dimension with my construction and architectural background. As part of my role, I am responsible for ensuring effective and robust governance and oversight is in place, ensuring that TLA meets the Consumer Standards in line with the requirements introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.”

Satti Saggu - Trustee

Satti, is an operational NHS Head of Service, responsible for the safe and effective delivery of community care for patients with neurological conditions, stroke, and speech and swallowing rehabilitation needs. He has extensive experience in leading transformational change across services, with an approach rooted in compassion, understanding, and meaningful engagement with affected stakeholders.

He has a strong interest in tackling health inequalities and addressing variations in access to services for marginalised communities. He previously served as co-chair of a Race Equality Network, where he championed the voices of Black and Minority Ethnic staff across his organisation.

“Housing is a fundamental human right, alongside access to education and healthcare. I want to support TLA in engaging with the communities it serves — ultimately improving lives through the provision of safe and adequate housing. As part of my role, I am responsible for ensuring effective and robust governance and oversight is in place, ensuring that TLA meets the Consumer Standards in line with the requirements introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.”

Helen Quinlan - Trustee

Helen has worked in banking for 20 years in senior roles covering risk, strategy and transformation. She hopes to use her skills in financial management, strategy and communications to benefit TLA. She is excited to help shape the next phase of TLA and is a member of the Finance and audit sub committee.

“My family were homeless when I was growing up so I have lived experience which relates to the work TLA does and the people they help. As part of my role, I am responsible for ensuring effective and robust governance and oversight is in place, ensuring that TLA meets the Consumer Standards in line with the requirements introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.”

Stephanie Nyrieda - Trustee

Stephanie Nyirenda currently works for Teach First which aims to end educational inequality and increase diversity. She previously worked for an anti-trafficking charity where she found homelessness was key to making victims vulnerable to trafficking.

“I work on the HR side of things so have a good knowledge of, and passion, for people. I want to support people at TLA. As part of my role, I am responsible for ensuring effective and robust governance and oversight is in place, ensuring that TLA meets the Consumer Standards in line with the requirements introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.”

Sean Heffernan - Trustee

Sean Heffernan joined us in November last year, he has worked in IT in the finance and banking sector for 15 years and currently works for Lloyds in their Homes / mortgages department as Technology Lead. Having worked in mortgages for the last 3 years and noticing the impact of the cost of living crisis he wanted to do something more in the local community, so when the opportunity came up to become a Trustee at TLA he jumped at it.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved, using my technology skills to get better outcomes for clients as well as optimise TLA as an organisation to be able to do more. As part of my role, I am responsible for ensuring effective and robust governance and oversight is in place, ensuring that TLA meets the Consumer Standards in line with the requirements introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.”

Gary Gallacher - Trustee

We welcomed Gary on to the board in January 2024. He has a degree in Maths and Actuarial Science and a Masters in Actuarial Management and now works for Isio after having relocated to Leeds from Scotland.

He is involved in the Finance and Audit Committee with a focus on financial and risk management.

“With lived experience which many trustees may not have, and having used the type of services that TLA delivers, I feel I have a deeper connection and better understanding of what’s important to our clients. I also bring my finance skills and knowledge plus drive and determination. As part of my role, I am responsible for ensuring effective and robust governance and oversight is in place, ensuring that TLA meets the Consumer Standards in line with the requirements introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.”