EDT appoints new Chairman of the Board

The EDT (Engineering Development Trust), has announced that Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon will be appointed as the new Chair of the Board and will formally take post from July 2021, succeeding Nick Buckland, Chair who has served since 2014.

Julie Feest, CEO of EDT commented,

“I am delighted to welcome Elena to the board. She will bring passion and a personal drive to help young people in education, regardless of background, which fits perfectly with the aim of our charity. I am excited for what the future holds under Elena’s leadership as she brings a wealth of experience in the world of STEM both as an engineer and educationalist.  Alongside new Alumni as well as existing trustees, I believe the board will create an exciting strategy and direction for the future.”   

As well as over 27 years’ experience in the engineering field, Elena brings a whole host of experience including managing risk, raising money and a strong understanding of education. She is currently President and CEO of the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) and has a long history of advocating for and championing women in engineering.  She has held many director roles throughout her career and has collected many honours and recognitions for her work in the UK and in Mexico. 

In response to her appointment Elena said

“It is truly a great honour to be joining EDT as the Chair of its Board of Trustees. EDT’s vision “to create a society where young people across the UK have equal access to engage with STE(A)M activities and achieve their potential in STEM careers and opportunities for further study” has never been as important as it is in a world post-pandemic, and one that I wholeheartedly support. In particular, I look forward to working with stakeholders and loyal supporters of EDT in ensuring that collectively we support the Trust in delivering on its purpose and maximising its impact”.