Patrick founded Viva in 1996 after his experiences working with street children in Bolivia. He has spent fourteen years researching Christian work with vulnerable children and building contacts internationally. Alongside his role overseeing the global work of Viva, Patrick is also a Senior Associate with Billy Graham’s Lausanne Movement and has recently completed an MBA at the Saïd Business School, Oxford University. Originally from Denmark, Patrick is married with four sons and he and his family live in Oxford.

After a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham, and a ten-year stint as the Director of John Laing Plc, Brian brought his strategic outlook and management experience to the running of Viva. He has travelled extensively to all continents, developing the scope of the networks to design and implement initiatives that will make a sustainable difference for vulnerable children. Brian lives in Oxford with his wife and two daughters.

Shelagh has worked in Human Resources over the last ten years for both an international NGO and a food manufacturer, and before that she enjoyed the diversity of running a hotel, a restaurant, and a post office. She has a management MSc degree in Responsibility & Business Practice from the University of Bath, is part CIPD qualified and is a trained co-active coach. Shelagh has four children and lives in Oxford.

Martin joined Viva in 2010 from World Vision UK where he was Head of Engagement for Churches & Young People. He had previously worked for 15 years with CMS, mostly as Regional Manager for Western Europe & North Africa. He has been involved in numerous charities including Oxford Youth Works, Faith to Faith, A Rocha, The Nigerian Chaplaincy, Urban Expression and is currently a trustee of Bless. He is married with two children and lives in Witney.

Mark is a Mathematics graduate and is currently working towards full CIMA qualification. He joined Viva having been the Director of the Gate Arts and Community Centre in Cardiff which serves the multi-cultural population of the city. Prior to this he was Chief Executive for another charity in Cardiff and the Senior Administrator of Glenwood Church. Mark and his wife Cian have two children and live in Oxford.