WHO WE ARE
Community Finance
Our Team Members
James Palmer
Chief Executive | BA LLB
James is the Chief Executive and founded Community Finance in 2019. James was previously Chief Executive of Christian Savings, Aotearoa’s only charity that is also a licensed non-bank deposit taker, managing almost $250m. He previously practiced as a commercial lawyer.
James is passionate about impact investment positively transforming Aotearoa and using finance as a force for good. James is the 2021 INFINZ University of Auckland Business School Emerging Leader.
Andrew Allan
Chief Financial Officer | BCom (CA), BProp
Andrew is the Chief Financial Officer, joining Community Finance in October 2020.
Andrew was previously the General Manager of Finance and Operations at Christian Savings. Prior to this he worked across numerous roles within Finance at Vodafone NZ and was an auditor at Ernst & Young.
The opportunity to combine his experience as a qualified chartered accountant, degree in property and passion for supporting the wider community was a catalyst for joining the Community Finance team.
Luke Strom
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | BA LLB (HONS), MTAXS (DIST)
Luke is the Chief Operating Officer of Community Finance. Before joining Community Finance, he praticed as a property and commercial lawyer. He is passionate about creating positive social outcomes through impact investments. In particular, he is passionate about playing a part in the delivery of healthy and affordable homes at scale.
Emily Roughton
Chief Risk Officer
Emily is a Registered Legal Executive and the Chief Risk Officer of Community Finance. Prior to joining the Community Finance team, she worked as the Risk Officer for a Non-Bank Deposit Taker and in that role was responsible for review and oversight of risk management across all facets of the business. Emily is responsible for ensuring that Community Finance’s Governance, Risk, Compliance and Control Strategies are designed and operating effectively.
Emily brings with her a combined experience of nine years in the legal profession and is a great addition to the team.
Catherine Linton
Executive Assistant
Catherine is an experienced Executive Assistant who previously supported James in his role of CEO of Christian Savings. After returning from many years working overseas in the not-for-profit world, she was for 5 years Executive Assistant to the CEO of World Vision, and is delighted to continue working for organisations that aim to improve the lives of New Zealanders.
Shelley Stoddart
OPERATIONS MANAGER| BCA
Shelley has over 16 years working in a variety of finance business partnering roles in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She has extensive experience managing projects, streamlining processes and implementing new systems along with financial management. Prior to joining Community Finance, Shelley was the European Business Manager for the Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability team for Deutsche bank.
Shelley is passionate about people, the environment, health and wellness and strongly believes that the platform Community Finance has created bridges the gap and generates social or environmental benefit as well as a financial return for investors.
Ashleigh Yee
FINANCIAL ANALYST | BCOM (CA)
Ashleigh is a Chartered Accountant who has joined Community Finance as a Financial Analyst. Prior to joining the team, she was based in Wellington, where she worked as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte. While Ashleigh has worked across multiple industries, she is delighted to have the opportunity to apply her skills and work with Community Finance to help deliver quality affordable housing in New Zealand.
Community Finance
Board
Shamubeel Eaqub
BCOM(Hons), CFA
An experienced economist with over a decade’s industry experience, Shamubeel is also an author, media commentator and a thought leading public speaker who makes economics accessible. Shamubeel provides economic consultancy on a wide range of business and policy topics.
He sits on several boards of charities and commercial firms and prides himself on providing a voice for those who are unheard.
Jo Glen
Jo brings over 30 years of experience in financial services having worked in stock-broking, investment banking, funds management and banking. Specialising in risk and compliance over the last fifteen years, she has worked for both global corporates and local institutions, supporting them to manage their risks and obligations and ensuring they have appropriate systems, policies and processes in place.
Jo provides strong governance and regulatory oversight to the Community Finance Board. A keen social conscience and a desire to contribute has seen Jo serve on community boards and committees, and she advocates to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Steven Moe
LLB(Hons), BA
A lawyer who has practised since 2001, Steven is qualified in New Zealand, England, Wales and Australia and has worked in London, Tokyo and Sydney for more than a decade as well as in New Zealand.
He is the author of books such as “Social Enterprise in New Zealand: A Legal Handbook” and is the host of the Institute of Directors’ podcast, “Board Matters” on leadership and governance. He is also a facilitator for their Company Director Course. Steven is a partner of Parry Field Lawyers and leads their Impact Team supporting many purpose-led organisations across the country.