Governance

Alastair Bisset – Chair

A seasoned engineering leader currently serving as head of decommissioning at the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA). A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IMarEST, Alastair brings over 18 years of experience across technical, project, and leadership roles, consistently delivering impactful business results. He has a strong foundation in technical engineering and project management, with a proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across operational and strategic initiatives. His expertise spans offshore operations, supply-chain management, risk analysis, and the development of business strategies aligned with energy transition goals.

Alastair is deeply passionate about people development, emerging technologies, and the value of data in driving innovation. He actively supports professional growth through university mentoring and his role as a PRI assessor for IMarEST and has been engaged in community outreach initiatives since 2009.

He first became involved with Aberdeen Cyrenians over 15 years ago, as a volunteer for the Street Alternatives programme, and his passion for what the charity does, and how it supports those in need, has continued to grow.  He joined the board in 2019 with a view to helping provide oversight, and to get more heavily involved with its governance and strategic direction.  Through his contribution and leadership, he is keen to see Aberdeen Cyrenians thrive, not just ‘survive’, recognising that within the challenging landscape, careful thought and sustained effort are essential to ensuring the organisation can continue to provide the highest level of support to people in and around the city. 

Dr. Caroline Hood – Vice Chair

Currently working as transport executive (travel planning & delivery) with Nestrans, Caroline is a sociologist and academic with a rich and diverse professional background spanning law, research, and higher education. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Robert Gordon University (RGU), where her research explored the challenges faced by Scottish local authorities in implementing cycling-specific policies. Her academic interests extend to mobilities research, transportation and the environment, and social stigma affecting vulnerable groups.

Before her academic career, Caroline trained and worked as a corporate solicitor in Aberdeen, gaining experience in complex transactional work and client communication. Caroline also holds an MSc in Information and Library Studies, a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, and a Bachelor of Laws, all from institutions in Aberdeen.

Caroline was motivated to join the Board wanting to apply her knowledge, skills and experience to supporting those who are vulnerable and marginalised, ensuring they have a stronger voice and access to opportunities. She believes being a trustee is about standing alongside those who are often overlooked, and actively participating in the creation of an inclusive and supportive community in our city.

Lachlan Bursle – Treasurer

Lachlan joined the Board of Aberdeen Cyrenians in January 2022, bringing with him a deep commitment to social impact and inclusive community development. His journey in the charitable sector began with Fighting Chance Australia, where he served on the leadership team of a pioneering organisation dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for people with physical disabilities. This passion for equity and systemic change led Lachlan to a role in KPMG’s Health and Human Services consulting team. There, he contributed to transformative national initiatives, including the design of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme, the NSW Child Protection framework, and projects supporting remote communities experiencing marginalisation.

Now based in Aberdeenshire, Lachlan is Co-owner and Director of Create Financial Solutions. He brings a wealth of financial expertise and strategic insight to his role as Treasurer of the Cyrenians Board, helping to ensure the charity’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Julie Thomson – Vice Treasurer

Julie is a chartered accountant who started her finance career with KPMG. She then spent 22 years with US energy services giant Weatherford International, rising through the ranks to the position of senior finance director for Europe and Africa. She has served as CFO for both Proserv and Aberdein Considine and is currently the vice president of finance for Archer - the well company. Julie has extensive experience in financial management, compliance and continuous improvement of processes and internal controls.

Fiona Lindsay – Director

Currently the managing director of Bridge Communications, Fiona is a strategic communications consultant and Prosci-certified change practitioner who specialises in helping organisations connect with their people especially during times of transformation. With a talent for turning complexity into clarity, Fiona partners with senior leaders to shape communication strategies that are clear, human, and impactful. Her expertise spans change management, leadership communication, and stakeholder engagement, with experience across diverse industries including energy, aviation, food and drink, and professional services.

Fiona brings both in-house and consultancy experience, making her a versatile and trusted advisor in navigating organisational change. In addition to her communications work, Fiona is an ICF-accredited coach and a trained mental health instructor, reflecting her deep commitment to supporting people not just professionally, but personally, she also mentors’ women in business.  Fiona is known for her thoughtful, people-first approach to communication—building trust, driving engagement, and making change feel achievable.

Dean McGlynn – Director

Currently the city centre manager for Aberdeen City Council, Dean is a social housing professional and member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, Dean believes building social housing is the key route to better opportunities for the next generation and brings vital and extensive experience from his work in housing associations, the National Housing Federation and HACT, the charity of the social housing sector.  

Dean was drawn to Aberdeen Cyrenians’ mission of tackling homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals with compassion and dignity. He saw board membership as a meaningful way to contribute his housing expertise to a cause that aligns deeply with his values and professional purpose, along with contributing to an organisation that makes a significant local impact. 

Sonia Brownlie-Kelman – Director

Currently an internal audit business partner with Harbour Energy, Sonia is a dynamic leader with a diverse background in the energy sector, specialising in assurance, risk management, and HSEQ. Her career is defined by a commitment to continuous improvement, strategic excellence, and a people-focused approach to driving optimised outcomes. Holding an LLB in Law from the University of Aberdeen and a triple-accredited MBA from the Open University, Sonia combines legal acumen with strategic business insight enabling her to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and lead initiatives that align with organisational goals.  

Sonia has a strong track record in internal audit and risk management, where she has developed and implemented robust control frameworks, ensured compliance with industry standards, and mitigated operational risks. Her leadership style fosters a culture of improvement and collaboration, empowering teams to deliver high-impact results.  Her passion for the energy industry is also reflected in her active role on the FILP Alumni Committee, where she engages with key industry figures and champions professional development opportunities for others.