Our staff

Alison Tweed, Chief Executive

As Chief Executive, Alison leads the charity, working closely with the Board of Trustees which is chaired by Dr Alice Prochaska.

Alison worked for 25 years in international educational publishing. Since joining the charity, she has grown its book provision programme to over one million books a year and has launched a range of new, innovative programmes and partnerships. 

Ade Soremekun (FCCA),
Head of Finance

As Head of Finance, Ade manages the finance function of the organisation, ensuring funds collected are recorded, allocated and spent appropriately. Ade is also responsible for financial reporting internally and externally and ensuring the organisation conforms to the various legal and ethical standards in the furtherance of its financial objectives. Ade has worked in finance for over 20 years in both the commercial and not for profit sector and has vast experience of the education sector. Ade joined Book Aid International as Head of Finance in June 2016.

Emma Taylor, Head of Communications

Emma is responsible for Book Aid International’s brand, communications and profile. With more than ten years in the Third Sector, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and a passion for the positive change that Third Sector communications can create. Her experience ranges from managing communications from disaster zones in Haiti and the Philippines to leading the marketing and communications team of one of the UK’s leading VCS support organisations. A previous winner of a Vodafone World of Difference award, Emma was also named as a member of Fast Company’s Change Generation. She joined Book Aid International in October 2016.

Laura Smith, Head of Fundraising

As Head of Fundraising, Laura is responsible for Book Aid International’s income generation. She has a background of over 15 years in charity fundraising which includes working with high-net-worth individuals, trust and foundation applications, running high-profile events and overseeing large individual giving and membership programmes. Most recently Laura has worked for charities whose focus has been on providing advice and information and campaigning for policy change in the UK. She is passionate about the difference philanthropy and giving can make to supporters and people around the world. Laura joined Book Aid International in May 2021.

Samantha Sokoya, Head of Programmes

As Head of Programmes, Samantha leads the development strategy for the support and development of African libraries through projects and librarian training. Samantha has a wealth of experience in Africa-based education having worked for the British Council on sub-Saharan African programmes and most recently as Room to Read’s Zambia Country Director. She brings with her an in-depth knowledge of school library provision and developing literacy and a love of reading through interventions in schools. Samantha joined Book Aid International as Head of Programmes in October 2015.

Brian Martin, Head of Operations and Acquisitions

As Head of Operations & Acquisitions, Brian oversees the team responsible for warehousing, selecting, packing and shipping more than one million publisher-donated books every year, and leads on sourcing and managing book donations from UK publishers.  Brian has over 15 years’ experience in the publishing industry, having previously worked in Sales Operations for Hachette UK, Titan Books and Bonnier Books and as Operations Manager for Turnaround Distribution. Brian joined Book Aid International in 2024.

Rebekah Deboo, Head of Resources and Company Secretary

Rebekah leads on Human Resources to include employment life-cycle, policy implementation, culture and EDI. Rebekah ensures that the charity offers an efficient, safe and positive working environment and continually monitors its operational environmental impact. As Company Secretary, she ensures that the charity remains compliant and supports the work of the charity’s Board and governance sub-committees. Rebekah is committed to the charity sector, with over nine years’ experience in the sector before joining Book Aid International in 2018. She previously worked in the arts and media and studied photography at university.