Management Committee

John joined the Management Committee in 2023 and was appointed Convener in 2024. A Chartered Accountant, he spent 20 years as a partner at Anderson, Anderson and Brown and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Sentinel Marine. Since 1999, he has supported the housing association sector through audit, assurance, and advisory services for local registered landlords. John is committed to the provision of affordable, high-quality housing and looks forward to continuing his contribution to the sector through his role on the Committee.

Ben joined the Management Committee in 2020 and was appointed Vice Convener in 2024. He currently serves as Convenor of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and is also a Director of Castlehill Solutions Ltd. Ben is the Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in Scotland and has built a career in economic development. His experience includes senior roles at Scottish Enterprise as Construction Sector Manager, helping to establish the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, and three years in consultancy. He is also a Trustee of the Green Action Trust, which promotes environmental regeneration, and a former Chair of a Fife-based charity supporting young people’s development and employability through STEM and motor racing. 

Graeme Ogston joined the Management Committee in 2006 and has served as convener of both the Development and Housing Management sub-committees. He brings over 35 years of legal experience from his time as a partner and consultant at Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace. Motivated by a strong interest in addressing the UK’s housing shortage, Graeme was drawn to the work of housing associations in providing affordable homes. He was encouraged to join the committee by his wife, Vivien, following his retirement. 

Janice Lyon joined the Management Committee in 2002 and served as convener until September 2022. With a background as an Energy Manager for Aberdeen City Council, she also worked with a national housing association, focusing on developing and managing supported accommodation. Janice brings valuable expertise in addressing fuel poverty and promoting affordable warmth. She was drawn to Castlehill by her interest in support services and in designing housing that adapts to the changing needs of individuals.

Paul King joined the Management Committee in 2016, bringing years of experience working within the local community. As a qualified health and social care practitioner, Paul has supported adults with complex needs in a variety of settings, including community housing, HMOs, and specialised residential units. He understands the positive impact quality housing can have on individuals' lives. As a Castlehill tenant himself, Paul brings valuable insight and is committed to improving services and supporting strategic decisions that benefit all tenants. He is dedicated to helping Castlehill continue delivering high-quality, affordable services. 

Alan Pilkington is a retired public sector professional with over 40 years of experience. He served as General Manager for Combined Child Health with NHS Grampian from 2007 to 2012, and previously as Head of Service for social work with Aberdeen City Council. Alan is currently Chairman of Archway (Respite Care and Housing) and a Director of Charlie House. Since retiring in 2012, he has remained active in the community and joined the Management Committee to support the delivery of affordable, high-quality housing. 

Julia Urbankowska joined the Management Committee in 2023 and is a Senior Cost Consultant and leads the Cost & Commercial Assurance team within the engineering sector. A qualified accountant, she has over ten years of experience managing project costs and risks across the construction, investment, and energy industries. 

Sue Freeth joined the Management Committee in 2023 and has over 40 years of experience in the UK social care sector, with half of her career spent in senior leadership roles within large grant-making and service-providing charities. Sue has extensive expertise in charity governance, partnership working, service design, and leading digital and property transformation projects. Since 2021, she has served as a trustee of the Royal Society for the Support of Women of Scotland (RSSWS) and as an advisory member of the Community Grant Committee of the Dunhill Medical Trust, supporting research into healthy ageing.

Andrew Brown joined the Management Committee in 2024 and is the co-founder of an architectural practice working across the UK, with over 20 years of experience in design and construction projects of all sizes. Alongside his continued involvement in the education and voluntary sectors, Andrew joined the Management Committee driven by his strong belief that high-quality housing should be accessible to everyone in Scotland. 

Bio coming soon.