We’re delighted to welcome three new trustees to the BDD Foundation Board. Each brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to our mission of raising awareness, supporting those affected by BDD, and driving positive change. You can meet our new trustees and learn more about their backgrounds, expertise, and what inspired them to join the Foundation below.
Louisa Cottrell
Louisa is a partner and a business development director at investment management firm, Brown Advisory. She supports the growth of the private client and charity business in the UK, and oversees the international event and sponsorship strategy. She began her career at Brown Advisory in 2011 after graduating from the University of Exeter with a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature. She is a keen volunteer and has given her time to a number of charities including The BDD Foundation. Louisa has a strong personal connection to the BDDF through the long term support of a close friend with BDD.
Mike Pounsford
Mike is a strategic communication leader with over 30 years’ experience helping organisations engage people around change, purpose and culture. He is the author of Leading the Listening Organisation (2024) and has worked with global companies, charities and government bodies on inclusive communication and behaviour change. A former Samaritans volunteer and experienced facilitator, he co-facilitates the BDD Foundation’s Overcoming BDD Programme and is also a parent of an adult daughter with lived experience of BDD.
Holly Staunton
Holly brings over a decade of experience in the charity sector, focusing on mental health, social inclusion, and impact. Alongside her role as Operations Manager for a human rights charity, she advises values-led organisations on impact and strategy. Having lived experience of BDD since her teens, Holly is deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission. Before joining the board, she played a key role in shaping our mission, vision, and values, strengthening user voice, and developing our impact frameworks and reports. Guided by compassion and integrity, Holly is passionate about ensuring lived experience remains at the heart of all we do.
