Our Senior Management Team (SMT) brings together six people with different skills and experience. They guide our work, ensure we remain financially resilient, and make sure ACT is as effective as it can be. The team is responsible for:

  • Shaping opportunities for sustainable projects

  • Developing enterprise and income-generating initiatives

  • Supporting our staff, funders, partners, communities and the environment

  • Overseeing robust systems and financial compliance

Below you can meet the team and see what each person is responsible for.

Julie Young, Chief Executive Officer

Julie provides the strategic direction for ACT, aligning everything we do with our strategy and business plan. She connects the team with our Board, advisors, members, and partners, while also representing ACT nationally. Julie leads and inspires the team, manages senior staff, and has overall responsibility for public-facing communications and major financial decisions.

Sara Maclean, Deputy CEO & Strategic Finance Manager 

Sara oversees our financial strategy, ensuring compliance and resilience. She leads on financial planning, reporting and audit, and supports project and enterprise development. Sara deputises for the CEO and manages our Climate and Operations Managers.

Deb Baker, Operations Manager

Deb ensures ACT runs smoothly and securely. She leads on HR, policies, health and safety, and organisational systems. Deb also supports project delivery, oversees MAKI Pups outdoor nursery, and manages our Finance and Admin team.

Jamie Joyce, Climate Manager

Jamie manages our climate action projects, from Carbon Literacy to STEM Outdoors and reCycle. He works on building enterprise opportunities alongside grant funding, and supports the ACTNow staff team. Jamie also leads the ABCAN and reCycle teams. 

Ian Dow, Rainforest Manager

Ian oversees the delivery of rainforest projects across Argyll, including work with our Rainforest Squad. He develops enterprise opportunities in areas like deer management and biodiversity net gain, while also managing private investment discussions. Ian line-manages our Rainforest Operations Supervisor.

Philippa McKee, Habitats Manager

Philippa manages our peatland and rainforest project officers, and leads on developing habitat strategies and protocols for restoration. She also oversees ACT’s Native Tree Nursery, supports ecology enterprise development, and represents ACT within the Outdoor Recreation Forum project. Philippa manages the Peatland team, Rainforest Officer, and Our Rainforest Futures staff.