Meet our trustees

Sir Paul Curran (Chair)

I was appointed as Chair in 2022.  

I was a university leader, serving as President of City, University of London for over a decade and previously as Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Science of the University of Southampton. I started my career as a university academic, was a NASA research scientist and advisor to the European Space Agency. 

I've chaired several national committees and am now Chair of the NHS England National Joint Registry and the Natural Environment Research Council Advisory Committee on Science Leadership, Director of the Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd., President of the Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Society and Patron of The Conversation UK. 

Since my daughter’s diagnosis of MS, I've developed not only a deep understanding of the condition, but an empathy with, and admiration for, people living with MS, their family and friends.
 

Emily Revess (Vice Chair)

I’ve been a trustee since 2020 and I’m a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

I currently work as a Deputy Director in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. I previously worked in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Cabinet Office. I’m a Centre for Science and Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of the RSA.

I'm committed to helping create a more inclusive society that realises the potential of all individuals. I was diagnosed with MS in 2015. 

Read blogs by Emily

Nick Keveth (Treasurer)

I was appointed as a Trustee and the Treasurer in July 2023. I’m Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and also a member of the Strategic Implementation and Finance Committee.

I’m a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience working as a finance executive in large international public companies and a leading global accountancy firm. I'm also a Trustee at the University of Bristol.

I retired from my role as a listed company Chief Financial Officer in 2022 to spend more time supporting my wife who was diagnosed with MS in early 2020. While we are in the early stages of our MS journey, I am passionate about supporting and helping others living with MS.

Dr Shewly Choudhury

I’ve been a trustee since January 2021. I’m a member of the Strategic Implementation and Finance Committee and also the Research Strategy Committee. I’m a neuroscientist by training and I’m currently Associate Director, Interdisciplinary Programmes, Strategic Partnerships at the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UKRI. Previously I worked in senior roles at the Royal Society and Wellcome Trust. 

My older brother had a disabling neurological condition. I know first-hand the difference access to effective treatments, support and services can make.

Having worked in research funding and policy for over 18 years, I’ve always believed science is a force for good. The UK has one of the strongest scientific research communities in the world. I believe that by working together, we could make new treatments for MS a reality this decade.

Jason Jaspal

I was appointed as a trustee in July 2024. I have worked as a fundraising professional for over a decade, initially for a disability equality charity. In 2018, I joined suicide prevention organisation Samaritans, where I'm Assistant Director of Business Development. I'm responsible for the many different aspects of income generation with a focus on partnerships.  

I have a family connection to MS and several people very close to me live with the condition. I’ve seen first-hand the role that support services, treatments and good information can play. I am committed to helping the MS Society further this crucial work.

Leah Mates

I became a Trustee in July 2024. Over the last two decades, I’ve held senior marketing and fundraising positions at some of the UK’s most well-known health and medical research organisations. I've set up and led multi-functional teams to deliver transformational commercial growth across large and diverse portfolios. I’m a member of the Data & Marketing Association Values-Driven Data Committee and am also an active mentee across the not-for-profit sector. 

I'm particularly motivated to drive positive impact in health, and inclusion. I have several family members and friends with neurological health conditions, and so am passionate about creating environments, and a society, where everyone can succeed in life.

Chris Murray MBE

I was appointed as a Trustee on 1 January 2023 and I'm Chair of the Strategic Implementation and Finance Committee.

I spent my Executive career in the energy sector and headed numerous directorates in National Grid as well as being lucky enough to be a CEO three times. I’ve held numerous Non-executive roles over the last 25 years. I am currently Chair of Water Resources South East, a Non-executive Director at the Low Carbon Contracts and Electricity Settlements Companies and a Trustee of the Leicestershire Hospice. I also run my own consultancy, APX3 Limited.

My family is directly impacted by MS and I will do everything I can to promote the aims of the MS Society to help people living with MS and people supporting them.

Stephen O’Keane

I became a trustee in January 2024, having previously served on the Scotland National Council, including as Vice Chair. I’m a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

I bring senior leadership experience within the financial services sector – in operations, analytics, customer strategy and digital transformation. 

My mother had MS for nearly 50 years until she passed away recently. So I know first-hand the challenges of living with MS. This has made my desire to help the wider community even stronger. I’m particularly keen to make sure carers’ voices and the need for tailored social care are reflected in Board decisions.

Sarah Schol

I’ve been a trustee since 2018, having previously served on the England Council, including as chair. I’m a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

My experience is in HR, having worked in senior leadership roles for large corporations, including Coca-Cola Enterprises. I am now the owner and director of a business which focuses on helping organisations improve engagement, flexibility, wellness, and performance.

My mother was diagnosed with MS in 1984 and lived with it for over 25 years, so I have a personal understanding of the challenges of the condition and how it affects both the individual and those that love and care for them. 

David Silver

I became a member of the Stop MS Appeal Board in December 2022 and a Trustee of the MS Society in January 2023. I am also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

I have an MBA from London Business School and originally practised as a lawyer before moving into investment banking. I spent 23 years at a US investment bank, including the last nine years as Head of European investment banking. During this period I worked extensively with entrepreneurs and private equity firms globally, and their portfolio companies. I now have various Non-executive Director roles.

I was diagnosed with MS in 2010. I am committed to helping the MS Society support the scientific research community and the many people affected by MS in the UK.

Polly Williams

I became a trustee in January 2020 and I’m Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

I am currently the Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Law Society. I've worked for a number of public sector bodies and charities advising people on their rights under equality legislation, assessing public bodies against their legal obligations, and working with employers on strategies to promote diversity and inclusion.

I was diagnosed with MS in 2015. I understand the impact of invisible symptoms and the challenges faced by people with MS.

Dr Stephanie Wright

I was appointed as a trustee in January 2024 and I’m a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

I have been a General Practitioner since August 2023, after qualifying as a doctor at the University of Southampton in 2016. I gained first-hand experience of medical research through a BSc at Kings College London and spent several years working in multiple South-West London hospitals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was a front-line junior doctor in West Middlesex Hospital. 

I have witnessed the impact of MS, both personally and professionally. I hope to use this experience to improve the lives of people living with MS in the UK.