Trust CFO Lisa Reeder named Finance Leader of the Year

Lisa Reeder, Chief Financial Officer at Carlton Academy Trust, has been named Finance Leader of the Year at the TheBusinessDesk.com Yorkshire Leadership Awards, recognising her outstanding leadership and impact on the Trust’s financial strategy.

Lisa received the accolade for the vision, integrity and innovation she has brought to financial leadership across the Trust. Her work has helped shape a strong and sustainable financial foundation while keeping educational outcomes and opportunities for pupils firmly at the centre of decision making.

Central to this success has been Lisa’s leadership of the Trust’s Purpose Beyond Profit approach. By aligning financial planning with the wider mission of delivering excellence in education, she has helped guide the organisation to become one of the most solvent academy trusts in the region.

This balanced approach ensures that financial strength directly supports improved opportunities, resources and environments for students and staff across the Trust.

The award celebrates leaders who are driving impact within their organisations and across the regional economy. Lisa’s recognition highlights the important role strong financial stewardship plays in enabling schools and trusts to deliver long-term educational excellence.

Lisa said: “I am incredibly proud to receive this award, but it truly reflects the collective effort of colleagues across the Trust. Our Purpose Beyond Profit approach ensures that every financial decision we make is rooted in creating the best possible opportunities for our pupils and communities. Strong financial stewardship allows us to invest in education, innovation and the long-term success of the Trust”.

The Trust’s leadership was further recognised at the awards, with Mohammed Azum, Head of Carlton Bolling School, being shortlisted for Diversity and Inclusion Leader of the Year. 

Congratulations to Lisa and Mohammed on this fantastic recognition.