The OHA’s Annual General Meeting provided an opportunity both to reflect on another busy year and, importantly, to look ahead to the next phase of our Association. 
 
We farewelled three valued Councillors in Pav Arneja (OH 2006), Will McCue (OH 2024) and Tom Gale (OH 2024), each of whom contributed their time, ideas and energy to the OHA. On behalf of Council and our wider alumni community, I thank them sincerely for their service and commitment. 
 
We were also delighted to welcome three new Councillors: Steve Corney (OH 2004), Fatih Gunes (OH 2012) and Stephanie MacLean (OH 2011). Each brings different experience and perspectives, and all three have already stepped into meaningful leadership roles as we strengthen the way the OHA serves our increasingly diverse alumni community. 
 
Following the AGM, Council adopted a new leadership framework built around six areas. These are governance; young alumni and transition; One Haileybury; engagement and wellbeing; careers, business and entrepreneurship; and brand, communications and digital. Our aim is to ensure every Old Haileyburian has a meaningful way to stay connected, contribute and benefit from the OHA throughout their life. 
 
There is plenty already happening. We are building on our successful university mentoring initiative to strengthen the transition from school to alumni life, while developing a greater focus on wellbeing and support. OHA Ignite is also now underway, with our first early-stage start-ups receiving funding and mentoring from experienced members of the OHA community. This is an exciting new way to harness the extraordinary expertise within our network to help the next generation of Haileyburian entrepreneurs. 
 
We are also looking carefully at how we connect with alumni. Recent research is informing work on our value proposition, brand and digital experience, including exploring dedicated digital engagement platforms that could make it easier for Old Haileyburians to connect with each other, wherever they are. 
 
There is much to do, but we begin this new Council year with fresh energy, clear priorities and a simple ambition: to leave the OHA stronger, more relevant and more connected than we found it.

Stay connected 

Clayton Ford (OH 1991)
President of the Old Haileyburians Association