Inspirational Brenda joins Gentoo board of directors
and live on Freeview channel 276
Brenda Naisby from Glebe in Washington is a community champion. She was named Tenant of the Year at a national awards ceremony held by housing charity TPAS in October 2020.
Working alongside Gentoo, Brenda, 79, has played a huge role in her local community for more than five years, after the group supported her and provided her with a safe home when she needed it.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBrenda brings to the board a wealth of experience as both a tenant and local volunteer. She has been actively involved with the group since becoming a tenant, most recently as chair of Gentoo’s Community Engagement Forum in Washington.
Her new role is to ensure tat the voices of other tenants are also heard.
Alongside Gentoo employees, Brenda has helped out at a lunch club; preparing home cooked meals in the local community centre for residents who might feel isolated.
She has also volunteered as part of the group’s befriending service, offering important help to lonely residents.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe appointment was announced as former tenant board member and retired policeman Les Herbert comes to the end of his maximum nine-year term of service.
Brenda said: “I will always be thankful to Gentoo for their support. They re-homed me to a place of safety and worked with me to rebuild my life.
“It’s truly an honour to become part of their board and give something back for all the help they have given me. I’m looking forward to representing tenants in my new role and ensure the issues that matter most to them are heard.”
Nigel Wilson, chief executive officer at Gentoo said: “We are delighted that Brenda has accepted our offer to join Gentoo’s Group board.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Her experience as a tenant and an involved resident will be invaluable, bringing a new dynamic to our already diverse and experienced Board. Brenda will play a vital role in ensuring the voice of our tenants is heard throughout our organisation.
“On behalf of our chair Keith Loraine OBE and I, I would like to also personally thank her predecessor Les Herbert for his invaluable contribution to Gentoo of the past nine years.”