Inspirational Brenda joins Gentoo board of directors

An ‘inspirational tenant’ has been appointed by housing group Gentoo to their board of directors.
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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.

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Brenda 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.

From left; Gentoo CEO Nigel Wilson, the group's chair Keith Loraine, and new board member and tenant Brenda Naisby.From left; Gentoo CEO Nigel Wilson, the group's chair Keith Loraine, and new board member and tenant Brenda Naisby.
From left; Gentoo CEO Nigel Wilson, the group's chair Keith Loraine, and new board member and tenant Brenda Naisby.

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.

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The 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.

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“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.”

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