Meet the team behind EB 2020
Traditionally, the world of EB research and healthcare is separate from the EB Community. The EB World Congress aims to change this. This event is designed to foster collaborative work through the pooling of state-of-the-art knowledge across the key stakeholders to make a difference in the world of EB and raise awareness of the condition. The team dedicated to organising this inaugural EB 2020 event comes from a variety of medical, charity, and other industry backgrounds.
Caroline Collins
Congress Director
Caroline currently serves as DEBRA UK’s Director of Research, as well as a clinical trials consultant. She has 30 years of experience in academic and corporate healthcare, particularly in clinical research and medical communications across many therapeutic areas. She is also degree qualified in immunology. Caroline is in charge of the inaugural EB World Congress, EB 2020.
25 years ago I was a skydiving instructor
Eleanor Krall
Congress Coordinator
Working as a Research Assistant at DEBRA UK, Eleanor has experience managing grants for medical and scientific research projects as well as liaising with others on sharing news about EB research. Eleanor sits on the EB 2020 Congress management team and assists with the event planning.
I love travelling, walking, and photography
I love travelling, walking, and photography
Nicky Thomas
Head of Logistics
Nicky has an events management background with extensive experience in the overall coordination and project management of conferences, events, and incentive programmes. More recently she has been working within the pharma industry organising congresses and advisory boards. Nicky is leading the EB 2020 event logistics.
Lesley Bygrave
Head of Scientific Programme
& EB Alliance
Lesley is the founder of the first dedicated medical communications and PR agency and is one of the world’s top medical crisis management consultants; she is also the owner and inventor of "The Potta System". Lesley is liaising with key Congress stakeholders to develop the programme.
Now "retired" she prefers Great Danes, horses, and gardens to working
Emma Batten
Scientific Programme Assistant
Emma has been working with DEBRA UK as a Research Assistant for the past five years, particularly in helping manage DEBRA-funded research. With a keen interest in research into inflammatory and connective tissue conditions, last year she completed a post-graduate certificate in clinical research. Emma is working with the accreditation agency so that EB 2020 can be a CME-accredited event.
I love running, road cycling, fire poi, and eating cake
I love running, road cycling, fire poi, and eating cake
Jenny Jackson
Sponsorship Lead
Jenny has been involved in the charity sector since 2002. As Business Development Manager for DEBRA UK, she is familiar with building strong corporate relationships and working with businesses to raise their profile through charity affiliation. Jenny is leading the sponsorship initiative for EB 2020 and welcomes the opportunity to discuss how your business can get involved.
I am a keen gardener and can usually be found on our allotment if not in the office
Sarah Rhoads
Head of Compliance
Sarah established The Virtual Office Secretary over 15 years ago, which has since grown into an experienced team of nine administrative professionals. Her business has developed an outstanding reputation for being THE outsourced administrative solution for small and large organisations both within the UK and internationally. The Virtual Office Secretary is helping with compliance and administrative duties associated with the EB 2020 Congress.
Animal lover and keen sports enthusiast
Stephanie Webb
Head of Communications
Stephanie has been in the marketing and communications field for more than a decade. Her expertise is in business efficiency, particularly the project management aspect of marketing activities. She has been working with DEBRA UK in both a hands-on and advisory capacity since 2017 and joins the EB 2020 team in developing and leading the communications function.
I have lived in three countries and visited more than 40 US states
Olivia Mullins
International Communications Lead
With a solid background in international business management, Liv is the Business Manager for DEBRA International. She has previously worked in project management and the education sector within the UK and in Spain. Liv studied Spanish and Italian at university with a focus on translation. To help promote EB 2020 internationally, Liv is leading a team of international ambassadors.
A self-professed travel enthusiast always looking for the next adventure and new cultures to explore
Suzy Powell
Sponsorship Manager
Suzy was born in South Africa and before moving to the UK ran a shelter for street children in Johannesburg. She trained and practiced as an occupational therapist and subsequently founded a fair trade retail company based in Nepal and the UK. Most recently, Suzy has completed a Masters degree in Global Health and Social Justice at Kings College London with a particular focus on CSR in the global healthcare sector. Suzy is working with Jenny as the sponsorship team for EB 2020.
Lover of African music, unusual travel, good conversation and ballet