Meet the Impact Board
Andy Baker
Chair of the Board
Andy is Priest in Charge of The Belfrey, having joined the church as Associate Minister is 2018 and becoming Chair of the Impact Board in 2022. He is keen to see the project support the Belfrey’s 5 year plan including the aims of Developing Leaders and Planting Churches. Andy is a keen advocate for ensuring the building is accessible and the reordered spaces create a ‘wow’ factor which draws people in to experience the Belfrey and encounter the Christian faith.
Gillian Shepherd
Project Advisor + Board Member
Gillian joined The Belfrey staff team as Impact Project Manager having come from the Salvation Army where she managed a portfolio of capital projects. She has a marketing and communications background with experience gained across a range of sectors. Gillian is keen to blend her Christian faith and commercial acumen to help The Belfrey realise a building solution which strengthens its vision and is sustainable for future generations.
Debs Stephens
Board Member
Having been part of the Belfrey for the last five years, Debs loves serving the church, whether it is leading services, running Belfrey Seniors or baking cakes for church events! She currently works at the University of York as a student support administrator. Being part of the Impact project is important to her as she wants people to capture and share the vision of ‘honouring our past, resourcing our future and empowering our vision'.
Roger Holmes
Board Member
Roger has been worshipping at the Belfrey since he came to York in 2002, has served as Church Treasurer and Secretary of the PCC. He has worked at senior management level in the public, private and voluntary sectors and in particular brings business and financial experience to the project.
Daniel Brookes
Board Member
Daniel and Ruth have been worshipping at St Michael’s for about 35 years. Their two children grew up in the fellowship. During his time Daniel has served on the PCC, as a Church Warden, group leader and area pastor amongst other roles. He also serves at Deanery and Diocesan level. Daniel has always had a passion for our church buildings and has been a member of the fabric committee and is a founder member of the Impact group. Daniel recently retired after many years as a Facilities manager for the City of York Council.
Melissa Bryan
Project Team (Finance) + Board Member
Melissa is The Belfrey’s Finance Manager and is part of the Impact Project Management Team. As a qualified Accountant, her considerable expertise and careful scrutiny have been greatly valued when working with Cost Consultants and forecasting and monitoring the Impact budget.
Tony Scott
Board Member
Tony has been part of the Belfrey since 1991, served on the PCC and Deanery Synod, and chaired the Fabric Committee, overseeing the upgrade of the Belfrey Hall, Parish Centre and other projects. He was a Chartered Architect before retiring, and as Chief Architect at Leeds City Council, was involved in many heritage projects, taking the management team lead in sustainability.
Karen Dixon
Board Member
Karen has been a member of The Belfrey since she and her husband Allen moved to York from London in 2019. Originally from California, Karen and her family relocated to England in 1990. With a background in art, events management and project management, Karen is delighted to be serving on the Impact Project, which brings together her love of beauty, order and Jesus!
Hannah McKeogh
Board Member
Hannah is a Housing Support Worker for Restore York – a charity for those who would otherwise be homeless. She is a Belfrey Group Leader and served for a year on Impact during her time as an Intern. She brings valuable skills gained from studying Architecture and 3D design at College and represents The Belfrey’s significant 18-30s community.
Keith Dixon
Finance & Fundraising Group Member
Keith joined the fellowship of The Belfrey in summer 2021. He is a qualified accountant - now retired - and has become a valued member of the Finance and Fundraising Group. Keith is also part of the worship team at The Belfrey and plays trumpet in the band.
Amber Boydell
Project Team (Engagement) + Board Member
Amber was Operations Manager at The Belfrey from 2019 to 2026, and has been on the Impact Board since 2021. She focuses on engaging our church community with Impact, and is working with the Centre for the Study of Christianity & Culture on the preparation of our Visitor Interpretation package.
John Hanna
Project Manager (Construction Phase) + Board Member
John is the Facilities Manager at The Belfrey, having joined the staff in 2023. He has played a significant role in Impact ever since, taking on the mantle of Project Manager in October 2026. He is the most frequent site visitor, has a deep understanding of how the building is being restored and constructed , and will shape our management of it when we return.