Our Board of Directors brings a wealth of experiences and expertise to HELP, united by their passion for our mission. They provide governance, guide our strategy and steer the organisation towards a sustainable future.
Manuela Basto
Board Chair
Manuela has been a part of HELP since 2013 and transitioned from a weekday volunteer to the Board Chair. Manuela is an independent HR consultant working with a range of businesses as well as sporting bodies and schools. She has over fifteen years of experience working with international banks in Hong Kong. Manuela is hands-on with HELP’s work and is focused on the organisation’s mission, vision, and strategic direction. She is also actively involved in collaborating and maintaining positive relationships with external stakeholders.
Jayne Booth
Board Secretary
Jayne was the HR Director of an international oil & gas business in the UK and has over 25 years of corporate executive, operational and international HR experience, predominantly in the energy sector. Her expertise is in the development of strategies to support businesses through periods of significant organisational change, restructuring and the manpower impact of acquisitions & disposals. Jayne saw her move to Hong Kong as presenting her with the opportunity to “give back”. She volunteered with HELP and undertook various organisation development projects before joining the Board. Jayne controls the HR function formulating personnel systems and strategies appropriate to the organisation’s goals.
John Davison
Director
John is a solicitor with local law firm Kao, Lee & Yip, where his practice includes trust work and advising NGOs and social enterprises. He has served on the Board of HELP since 2011 with four years as the board chair. He actively supports the organisation’s legal casework and advice on difficult cases. John brings to the Board knowledge and experience in the administration of charities and NGOs.
Julie Koo
Treasurer
Julie is a Managing Director at Citi Private Bank. She has over 25 years of investment and asset management experience with numerous previous leadership positions at top tier companies. She is passionate about serving NGO’s, volunteering across the Philippines and Hong Kong. She also mentors young business leaders through prestigious mentorship programmes. Julie brings to the board strong financial oversight and safeguards HELP’s finances.
Patricia Tan Openshaw
Director
Patricia is a registered foreign lawyer (New York) in Hong Kong and a partner of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, specialising in corporate transactions involving energy and infrastructure assets. She is a native of the Philippines and was educated in the United States. Patricia uses her skills and legal expertise to provide advice, support legal research and assess HELP’s case counseling effectiveness.