Meet the Team
SCIAF is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a global Church network with a presence in more than 160 countries. We work closely with other members of the Caritas Network to design and implement programmes and respond to emergencies. Our programmes are implemented internationally by our network of partner organisations and the local church.
Our staff team are based in Glasgow, Scotland. We are governed by an international Board of Directors and a number of subcommittees, comprised of experts in their field who guide our decision making and help to ensure our work is in the best interest of those we serve.
Lorraine Currie
Chief Executive
SCIAF’s Chief Executive holds over three decades of dedicated leadership in the fields of relief and international development. Lorraine's has held various influential roles with UNHCR, international charities and faith-based organisations, including Caritas agencies. Her work has spanned regions in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, where she managed diverse programs addressing the needs of marginalised communities. Lorraine holds an MA in Refugee Studies and Migration and an MSc in International Health and Development. She moved into the role of Chief Executive in 2023, after 13 years as SCIAF’s Director of International Programmes and Advocacy.
Robert Swinfen
Director of Central Services
Robert joined SCIAF in October 2016, bringing 25 years of experience in similar roles in the voluntary sector. Robert has responsibility for personnel, finance, and office support at SCIAF. He has worked at Oxfam, NACRO, The Richmond Fellowship Scotland and the Iona Community. He has also served as a Trustee for organisations including SCVO and Stepping Stones for Children, and is currently on the Board of Hostelling Scotland.
Penelope Blackwell
Director of Public Engagement
Penelope joined SCIAF in January 2019, bringing over 13 years' experience in charity management and income generation. She leads our fundraising, marketing, communications, development education, campaigning and supporter services functions. She gained her MBA whilst leading fundraising and retail operations at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. Penelope has been a member of the Executive Committee of the (now Chartered) Institute of Fundraising Scotland, the CIoF's Scottish Standards Advisory Board and Chair of Trustees at Perthshire Women's Aid.
Bishop Brian McGee
Bishop President
The Right Reverend Brian McGee joined the SCIAF board in 2016 and serves as Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. Bishop McGee studied in Thurles, Ireland, and received a Certificate in Philosophy and Diploma in Theology before he was ordained and became a priest of the Diocese of Paisley. He holds a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality and was consecrated as Bishop of Argyll and the Isles in 2016.
Thérèse Mema Mapenzi
Chair of Integral Human Development Committee
Thérèse joined the SCIAF board in 2020 and is the Director of Centre Olame Bukavu, which works for the integral promotion of women and girls and survivors of Gender Based violence, in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. She has received international acclaim for her fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Archbishop William Nolan
The Most Reverend William Nolan joined the SCIAF board in 2017 and serves as the Archbishop of Glasgow. Archbishop Nolan was a priest of the diocese of Motherwell and then served in Rome as Vice-Rector of the Scots College until 1990. He was Bishop of Galloway from 2014 until 2022 and was then appointed as Archbishop of Glasgow by Pope Francis.
Lorraine McMillan
Lorraine McMillan joined the SCIAF board in 2019 and has been Chief Executive of East Renfrewshire Council since 2008. Originally a chartered Physicist, Lorraine later gained her MBA and joined the Scottish Development Agency, specialising in technology transfer. She also served as Director of Enterprise at Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire and as Chief Executive at Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire.
Joseph Hughes
Joseph first served on SCIAF’s Finance and Audit Committee and then was appointed as Chair in June 2022. Sheriff Joseph Hughes was appointed to Greenock Sheriff Court in 2019. He had been management partner of JC Hughes Solicitors in Glasgow since 1986. Joseph has also held a number of non-executive, public and charitable positions.
Diane Burke
Diane first served on SCIAF’s Public Engagement Committee as a Committee Member and was then appointed as Chair in March 2022. She is currently the Commercial Director of Caledonian MacBrayne. Having worked at Board level for over 12 years, she has led and successfully delivered business transformation in various sectors.
Father Michael A Hutson
Born and brought-up in Ayrshire, former music teacher Michael Hutson has been a priest of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles for nearly 30 years. His priesthood formation was at Salamanca and Chesters, Glasgow. Currently serving as Parish Priest of St Mary’s on the Hebridean island of Benbecula, he also serves the diocese as Chancellor, Director of Music and Liturgy and Co-ordinator.
Bishop Joseph Toal
The Right Reverend Joseph Toal joined the SCIAF board in 2012, and has been Bishop of Motherwell since 2014. Before this, he was Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. He was ordained a priest of Argyll and the Isles in 1980 and after ordination served in South Uist, Campbeltown and Benbecula.