Board of Directors Mark Geddes Mark is Creative and Cultural Strategy Manager at South of Scotland Enterprise with the responsibility of leading and enhancing the wealth of creative and cultural activity in the South of Scotland. He is a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art and a published author. He has worked in economic development for the past 20 years in local and national government developing strategies, initiatives and supporting business in the creative industries, tourism, and food and drink sectors. During this time, Mark was Screen Commissioner for South West Scotland, promoting and facilitating film and TV production across the region. Prior to this he had a successful career in hospitality spanning 10 years in Edinburgh, the Highlands and Dumfries. Mark joined the board of Paragon to continue the work of inspiring young people and vulnerable adults in Scotland to create new music and dance. Kirsty YoungKirsty is a Grants Development Officer at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). With a background in Community Education, she has over ten years of experience in the voluntary sector as both a grants officer and fundraiser. She is committed to amplifying young people's voices and joined the Paragon board through the Young Trustee movement. She is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and accessible society and supports Paragon by bringing her grant-making expertise and passion for equality. Additionally, Kirsty is actively involved in amateur theatre. Tracey McNamaraTracey is Archive Manager at Scottish Music Centre and passionate about the difference that culture can make to wellbeing and society. Having previously worked at Glasgow Museums for 16 years she has a strong understanding of the many positive ways art and community involvement can improve people’s lives. She is a firm believer in the power of music to connect and bring joy, and has sung with a community choir for over 10 years. She joined Paragon as a volunteer board member in March 2023 and seeks to support the organisation to continue doing its brilliant and impactful work. Dr Mark Sheridan (Chair)Mark is a freelance composer and educator. He was Reader In Music and Creativity at the University of the Highlands and Islands (2013-19); Interim Director for the Centre for Rural Creativity (2018 – 2019); Chair of UHI Creative Economy Hub; and Head of Department at the University of Strathclyde where he introduced the Applied Music degree, which later moved to UHI. As a composer, his works have been performed in France and Scotland. His compositions in Classical/Celtic genres include orchestral and theatre works, as well as two operas. Additionally, Mark has been Trustee and Chair of Fèis Rois (2013 – 2019) and Chair of UHI Inverness Board of Management (2021 -2024). Emma WhitfieldEmma is a dedicated communications leader who puts storytelling at the heart of delivery. Emma has seen the great work and huge difference Paragon provide over the years in her role at The National Lottery Community Fund and joined the board in August 2024 once she had moved on from the funder. As volunteer board member she hopes to support Paragon to continue its good work making a difference to isolated and vulnerable young people and their families.