New Chair for the Foundation
Leadership Transition at Spartans Community Foundation After 20 Years of Dedicated Service
Edinburgh, UK - Spartans Community Foundation today announces a significant change in leadership as Chair Craig Graham steps down after 20 years of outstanding service. Succeeding him in the role is Allan Fraser, who will lead the Foundation into its next chapter, working closely with CEO Debbi McCulloch.
Craig Graham has been at the heart of Spartans Community Foundation’s growth, guiding the organisation with vision, integrity, and his trademark enthusiasm. Over his tenure, the Foundation has grown to running 36 different programmes a year and touching the lives of over 2000 people every single week.
Reflecting on his time as Chair, Craig said:
“It’s been an amazing journey. Twenty years ago we were offered a long-term lease on an overgrown school playing field littered with burnt out cars. No-one could have imagined then what our team has built, and the impact they make, in North Edinburgh every day.
I have been so fortunate to work alongside a remarkable group of people: there have been hundreds over the years who should be so proud of the part they have played. I have to mention two. Derick Rodier and I formed the Foundation in 2006 and he showed fantastic drive and resilience in our early years as we navigated what seemed to be an endless series of obstacles.
Then Douglas Samuel joined us. His research on what our local community needed, plus his knowledge of best practice from visits to exemplary sports club Foundations in Europe, gave us some brilliant ideas and Dougie soon became our CEO. He drove our growth from a team of four to over 50 when he retired as our CEO in 2024. Since then Debbi McCulloch took over the CEO reins and now we have 83 on the payroll!’
Allan and Debbi are the perfect duo to lead our Foundation and support our community to thrive. I am sure they will continue to Dream Big, Dream Fierce.
I’d like to personally thank everyone who has played a part in our last 20 years.”
Incoming Chair Allan Fraser brings a passion for community development and is committed to building on the Foundation’s successes while exploring new opportunities to deepen its impact.
Allan shared:
"I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of Spartans Community Foundation. Craig Graham has been an inspirational leader and it has been a privilege to be able to work with and learn from him as the Foundation has expanded. Together with Douglas Samuel and many others he has played a pivotal role in developing the Foundation into a positive force for change in North Edinburgh.
We have a fantastic CEO in Debbi and we aim to continue delivering vital programmes, and to grow the Foundation's influence in the local community over the next few years."
Debbi McCulloch, Spartans Community Foundation CEO said:
‘We owe a huge debt to Craig who has brought energy and drive to the Foundation. He has been part of creating an organisation that is now a significant employer as well as a powerhouse for positive change in North Edinburgh. I’m delighted we will still see him at Ainslie Park in his role as Chair of Spartans FC. The SCF team and I are very much looking forward to working with Allan and offer him a warm welcome.’
The Board of Trustees congratulate Allan Fraser and expressed its gratitude to Craig Graham for his exceptional leadership and dedication, which have helped shape the Foundation into the respected organisation it is today. Craig will remain as an SCF Trustee.
This transition marks both a moment of reflection and an exciting new beginning for Spartans Community Foundation as it continues its mission to harness the power of people and sport to make positive change in North Edinburgh.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sandy Raffan
Insight & Engagement Manager
Spartans Community Foundation
sandyraffan@spartanscf.com
0131-552 7854