Ian Thomas
Trustee
My background
Born in Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, I graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Microbiology. After a few years in research, I entered the medical device industry where I spent the next 34 years, living and working in the UK, Germany, Switzerland and the UAE. I stepped down from my full-time career in 2018 and since then have held a number of board positions, including Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire and the Wiltshire Community Foundation.
I became a Trustee of Community Foundation Wales in June 2022. My wife and I will be moving from Wiltshire to live in the Cardiff area in August for the first time since leaving in 1983.
What I do
Along with being a member of the Board of Community Foundation Wales I sit on the Forward Planning Committee and the Grants Committee. I am also available between meetings to support the staff in their work.
Ask me about
The valuable work that Community Foundations do in their areas. Community Foundation Wales is the second Foundation I have had the privilege to work. We connect people who care with causes that matter and that’s a great thing to be involved with.
Why I love Wales
It’s my country and like most Welsh people that means a lot. Having spent so long away from Wales makes living here again that little bit more special.