Lesley Smeardon
About Lesley Smeardon
Lesley Smeardon serves as the Head of Communications at Sightsavers, a position she has held since 2019. With a background in communications and management, she has worked in various organizations, including Visionary and Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor.
Work at Sightsavers
Lesley Smeardon has served as the Head of Communications at Sightsavers since 2019. In this role, she oversees communication strategies and initiatives that promote the organization's mission to eliminate avoidable blindness and support people with disabilities. Based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, United Kingdom, she has contributed to enhancing the visibility and impact of Sightsavers through effective communication practices.
Previous Experience in Communications
Before joining Sightsavers, Lesley Smeardon held several key positions in communications. She worked at Visionary as Head of Internal Services from 2018 to 2019. Prior to that, she was the Head of Communications at Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) for five months in 2015. Additionally, she served as Head of Communications at VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad) from 2009 to 2014, and as Communications Manager at CoastNet from 2005 to 2006.
Education and Expertise
Lesley Smeardon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Warwick. She furthered her education at the University of London, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management from 2002 to 2004. This educational background provides her with a strong foundation in both psychological principles and environmental issues, enhancing her capabilities in communications within various sectors.
Career in Nonprofit Organizations
Lesley Smeardon's career includes significant roles in nonprofit organizations. She worked as Schools Programme Manager at Parentkind (formerly PTA UK) from 2016 to 2018. Her experience also includes a position as Publications Manager at Friends of the Earth from 2000 to 2002. These roles reflect her commitment to social causes and her ability to manage communications effectively in diverse settings.