SPANA’s trustees are responsible for ensuring our charity is pursuing its long-term goals, effectively managing its finances and successfully fulfilling its charitable obligations, while operating in line with all legal requirements and the wishes of our supporters.
Marianne Davies – Chair of Trustees
Marianne is Global Head of People Services with GSK, where she has spent much of her executive career. She is also a Trustee of the Youth Action Alliance, and an Independent Committee Member on the Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Committee at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Marianne brings a wealth of HR and Change management experience from her career. She also has a strong interest in animal welfare and, having visited many of the countries where SPANA works, is keen to contribute to improving the lives and communities of working animals. Marianne joined SPANA’s Board of Trustees in September 2021 and was appointed interim Chair of Trustees in March 2024. She is also a member of SPANA’s People and Safeguarding Committee.
Adam Firby
A senior Human Resources Director, with additional experience in general management and property, Adam is UK Chief People Officer at Valeo Foods. He has previously held roles across Molson Coors Beverage Company, Marks and Spencer, Britvic Soft Drinks and the Royal Mail Group. Adam joined SPANA’s Board of Trustees in December 2021 and is also a member of our Global Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Committee.
Morgan Lance
Morgan has spent the last two decades helping animal welfare and children’s charities and not-for-profit organisations raise funds, tell their stories and improve lives. She currently works as Chief Executive of OneSky for all children, while her previous roles include Executive Director of the Daraja Education Fund. Prior to starting her NGO career, Morgan earned a teaching credential and worked in Humane Education, teaching both children and adults about the needs of animals. Morgan lives in the US with her husband, their equestrian daughter, a rescued dog and cats, and their retired horse, Gracie. Morgan joined SPANA’s Board of Trustees in March 2023 and is also a member of our Global Animal Welfare and Chair of our Global Fundraising, Marketing & Communications Committee.
Melissa Liszewski
Melissa has worked on community-based animal welfare initiatives in more than 30 countries around the world since 2005. Having previously led the global Community Engagement Program at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the global Community Development team at Brooke, she is experienced in developing sustainable animal health and husbandry systems, as well as community-led approaches to disaster risk reduction and wildlife conservation. Melissa holds a master’s degree in animal science with specialisations in international development and social science. Today, Melissa works as Managing Director at Adidas Foundation. In addition to her Trustee duties at SPANA, Melissa is Chair of our Global Animal Welfare Committee.
Sarah Shanks
An experienced equine vet and public health practitioner, Sarah has worked in Africa, Australia and Europe. She currently works as a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Public Health England, following her earlier work as Veterinary Advisor to the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). During her career, Sarah has seen first-hand how working animals provide vital support to communities in developing countries. As part of her work as a Trustee, Sarah is a member of our Global Animal Welfare Committee and is also represents the SPANA Board in our whistleblowing policy.
Spencer Simmons
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Spencer was a Partner in Haslers Chartered Accountants. He has supported organisations as a volunteer for Accounting for International Development. In addition to serving on SPANA’s Board of Trustees since March 2023, Spencer is Chair of our Finance and Audit Committee.