Maggie Gardner

NFWI Trustee

Maggie was co-opted as a non-member trustee to the NFWI board with effect from August 2026. She brings more than 30 years’ experience in governance, executive leadership, marketing, communications and fundraising across charities, social enterprises – and in the more distant past businesses. In previous organisations she has served as a trustee, Vice Chair and Committee Chair bringing to governance a commitment to fairness, listening and an entrepreneurial approach. Her experience includes roles with the University of Northampton, ExtraCare Charitable Trust, New Economics Foundation, etc.

Alongside her non-executive roles, Maggie has held senior executive positions that strengthened her practical understanding of good governance. At the Canal and River Trust, she joined the Executive Team during a period of organisational transformation, helped shape strategy and priorities, and revolutionised fundraising ambition and practice. At the Freedom Fund, she led partnerships, external relations, development and communications, securing multi-million-dollar funding and supporting new programme and campaign strategies. Earlier, she worked with Traidcraft to strengthen fair trade businesses internationally and promote more ethical purchasing in Europe.

Maggie is now semi-retired focusing on projects that are close to her heart. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, and has taken up art again (for the first time since school). She lives in the West Midlands.