The Oxford Trust welcomes two new trustees to its Board

April 21, 2026

The Oxford Trust has appointed two new trustees to its board: Lily Elsner, CEO & Co-Founder, Jack Fertility and Emily Howman of Aoraki Consulting. 

Lily Elsner is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in building and leading start-ups. As CEO and Co-founder of Jack Fertility, based at the Wood Centre for Innovation, she combines first-hand knowledge of the local innovation ecosystem with a strong commitment to championing women in business. Her entrepreneurial insight and leadership experience make her a valuable addition to the board. 

Emily Howman is an independent healthcare strategy consultant at Aoraki Consulting. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in educating healthcare professionals, patients, the public, policymakers and investors on therapeutic advances to improve patient outcomes. She also designs and delivers educational programmes to upskill sectors within the pharmaceutical industry. Emily offers a strong scientific background and a passion for science education – particularly in encouraging girls to pursue STEM – which she will bring to her role on the board. 

These new appointments reflect the Trust’s ongoing commitment to championing innovation, education and public engagement in science across Oxfordshire. 

David Llewellyn, who has advised the board in the last year, has stepped down to relocate to Australia. 

Steve Burgess, Chief Executive Officer, The Oxford Trust, said: “We are pleased to welcome Lily and Emily to the board. Their expertise and vision will play a crucial role in furthering our mission to “encourage the pursuit of science” within the region. They strengthen our already exceptional board, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all trustees for their continued commitment. We thank David for his insight and experience in running start ups which has helped the Board over the last year and wish him every success in Australia. 

Lily Elsner said: “It is a privilege to join the board of The Oxford Trust, an organisation that is so central to Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem. As a founder, I’veexperienced first-hand the value of supportive environments such as The Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation. I look forward to contributing to the Trust’s mission and helping to champion entrepreneurship and diversity in science and technology.” 

Emily Howman said: “I’m delighted to be joining The Oxford Trust at such an exciting time with the opening of the new Aspen Building. The Trust plays a vital role in inspiring engagement with science and supporting innovation across the region. I’m particularly passionate about widening access to science education and encouraging more young people – especially girls – to see the opportunities available to them in STEM.”  

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