APM welcomes its newest Board Trustees

Association for Project Management (APM) has announced the results of its trustee election for 2024, welcoming two new members to its Board of Trustees: Lisa Martello and Duncan Ross Russell.

The new Board members bring a substantial and diverse amount of experience to APM’s Board of Trustees, which is responsible for setting the organisation’s direction. As members of the Board, Duncan and Lisa will play an important role – alongside other trustees – in making sure APM continues to lead the profession while fulfilling its strategic goals and charitable objects.

Lisa Martello is a Director at ResoLex, a strategic advisory consultancy specialising in strengthening the social, behavioural and cultural components crucial to achieving desired outcomes in major project environments. She has more than 15 years’ experience leading and supporting major construction projects in the UK and Australia, where she also served as Board Director for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). Her projects have included airports, stations, bridges and viaducts, power and cooling, behavioural change, and facilities upgrades.

Lisa commented: “I feel really excited and privileged to have been elected to the Board of Trustees. I recognise the big opportunity and responsibility that it represents. To be elected feels particularly special, so thank you to everyone that voted for me.

“Having been a member of APM since I started my career in project management in 2009, and having been through some of the APM qualifications, it feels really poetic to now be able to get involved with the APM in a different capacity. I am most looking forward to contributing to the strategic direction of the association and meeting, working with, and learning from project professionals from a range of sectors.”

Duncan Ross Russell is a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) and chartered mechanical engineer, and a Fellow of APM. He was formerly Head of Project Management for AtkinsRéalis PPS where he used his passion to see projects succeed and society benefit through empowering effective project leadership. Duncan trained as a soldier serving as an Officer in the Royal Engineers for 16 years before moving into civilian project leadership. He has significant experience leading high-profile projects, including the Northern Spire bridge in Sunderland, UK, which won the APM Infrastructure Project of the Year in 2018.

Duncan said: “I’m delighted, if a little surprised, to be elected to the APM Board of Trustees. I saw standing for election as the next logical step in my journey of giving back to the profession.

“I am looking forward to meeting the other Board members and understanding how my skills and passions can be used by the Board to support the strategic direction of APM.  I have particular interest in promoting a better understanding of the importance of project leadership in the successful delivery of benefits amongst business, political and community leaders.”

APM is also delighted to announce the re-election of current Board member and APM Deputy Chair Sue Simmonite for a further three years.

Sue, who is Global Project Management and Control Director for BAE Systems, said: "I am truly humbled to have been re-elected to the APM Board of Trustees and role of Deputy Chair. Being able to continue serving our members and supporting the growth and advancement of the project management profession is a privilege. Together, we will continue to champion the values and practices that make APM a cornerstone for project management professionals worldwide.

"One of my priorities is to continue to enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of project management resources and certification pathways, ensuring our profession reflects the diversity of the global workforce. Additionally, I believe that as the pace of technological change accelerates, it’s critical for APM to lead efforts in data, digital transformation and sustainability practices, helping project professionals stay ahead of industry shifts. Addressing skills gaps in project management and aligning these with evolving market demands is also crucial. Finally, I am committed to fostering partnerships with other professional organisations, industries and educational institutions that will amplify our reach, raise awareness about the profession, and inspire the next generation of project managers."

APM has also thanked outgoing trustees Emma Carroll-Walsh and Sorrel Gilbert, whose terms have come to an end. Their commitment and dedication has made a valuable contribution, not only to APM but to the entire project profession.

You can discover more about how APM is run and details for all of Board trustees here.