Five people have joined the Centennial Bermuda Foundation’s grants review committees.

Centennial is Bermuda’s largest private philanthropic organisation and funds many non-profit projects and initiatives, and post secondary scholarships.

The new members review grant applications from Bermuda’s third sector and make recommendations for funding projects that are aligned with Centennial’s published grant-making priorities and guidelines.

The newcomers are; Melissa Butler, Ibou Barry, Ricardo Graham-Ward, Peter Goodall and Carleen Place.

Centennial managing director Allison Towlson welcomed the new committee members. “We are honoured to welcome these community leaders to our hard-working grants review committees,” she said. “Their work with Centennial involves great dedication and a deep desire for meaningful, positive partnerships in our community.”

Ms Towlson said: “I also extend my gratitude to those who are stepping away from committees and I thank each of them for their contribution and commitment to the community.”

She thanked Dwight Robinson and Kelly Francis from the public education review committee, Chip Waters from the economic participation committee, and Ronald Simmons and Burton Butterfield from the community health and fundamental needs committee.”

Ms Towlson said that Ms Butler and Mr Barry joined the review committee to help with applications relating to community health and fundamental needs.

“Ms Butler, a pharmacist with a background in health services research and clinical practice, has a global perspective on health challenges,” Ms Towlson said. “Through daily interactions with diverse communities and varied work experiences, she offers valuable insights on complex health issues.”

Mr Barry, a former board member of The Inter Agency Committee for Children and Families, was selected for his insight into the needs of many of Bermuda’s essential services charities.

He is also the chairman of Pembroke Hamilton Club’s technical development committee, assisting in the physical, educational and social development of student athletes and coaches, while also coaching boys and girls for 16 years.

“He has strong ties to the community through his volunteer roles and brings his perspective on the fundamental needs in the community,” Ms Towlson said.

Mr Graham-Ward, Mr Goodall, and Ms Place joined the review committee to provide guidance with applications relating to economic participation.

Mr Graham-Ward, is a chartered civil engineer working for IEPC Limited.

“He has broad experience in the area of economic participation, having previously worked with the Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Economy and Labour on numerous economic stimulus initiatives,” Ms Towlson said. “He will offer support in several areas of Centennial’s community investment priorities, such as career advisement and readiness, workforce equity, and workforce development.”

Mr Goodall, founder of Property Skipper, the online property website, was chosen for his financial background and understanding of entrepreneurial needs.

Ms Towlson said Mr Goodall’s experience would support Centennial’s grant-making priorities in the areas of financial and digital literacy, and in small business and entrepreneurship.

Ms Place, the Bermuda College Registrar, will support Centennial’s economic participation priorities in career readiness, workforce equity, and workforce development.