Parktown North resident Paul Carter, a long-standing member of Rand Aid Association’s Board of Directors, was elected as board chairman on 13 April 2021.
Paul, who officially joined the board on 14 April 2014, has served as the deputy chairman since late 2019.
“In 2014, I was approached to join the board by Pat Abrahams, a former chairman. In addition, I worked many years with the late Peter Clucas, who served on the board for decades.
“After telling me the long history of the great work that Rand Aid has delivered to the community, and then seeing it for myself after a day-long tour with former CEO Rae Brown, it felt right to commit to giving my service to an organisation that strives to uplift the welfare of those in need,” says Paul.
Paul sees Rand Aid as a well-run organisation, led by a highly experienced and long-serving executive team, and says the board’s role is wholly strategic in nature.
“My day-to-day involvement will be limited to a sounding board, as and when required. The model of the organisation is such that the net revenue generated from the reselling of life right homes, from our three retirement villages, can be directed towards the substantial welfare side of the business” he says.
Rand Aid recently acquired a substantial piece of land adjoining the Glendower golf course.
“Our plan is to build a fourth life right village to sustain and enhance the revenue side of the model. The board has already spent many hours analysing this future investment and I’m sure there will be many more to come. I would think this would form a key time and mind space for me over the next few years,” he says.
When it comes to his leadership philosophy, Paul strives to ‘come to a conclusion, preferably with everyone on onboard’ above all else. “As consensus is not always achievable, an ability to listen and adapt is key. I’m not sure if humour can be described as a leadership quality, but I do subscribe to it in abundance,” he laughs.
To Rand Aid’s residents, Paul says the first and most important priority is that their time in their village is fulfilling and happy!
“Rand Aid Association’s team strives to ensure that operations are run smoothly, but of course hiccups may occur. I urge all residents to be active in engaging with village representatives, to ensure appropriate communication reaches the board when required. I have been privileged to serve on the board alongside passionate and astute village representatives, who bring a great deal of skill and empathy when it comes to delivering on the diverse needs of the greater Rand Aid group,” he adds.
As for Rand Aid’s employees, Paul would like to meet you all!
“A job at Rand Aid earns you a salary, but it also gives you the chance (daily) to make a difference in the lives of people who really need and appreciate it. I look forward to sustaining and continuing to build an organisation that grows in stature and health, thus providing a solid foundation for your own chance to grow. Your service is hugely appreciated,” he says.
A business and family man
Paul schooled in Natal and graduated from Rhodes University in 1989. He then spent a year in the army, followed by a few years at AECI, before moving into a stockbroking career as an analyst of resource companies in South Africa.
In 2005, he co-founded ClucasGray, a boutique asset management operation, with three colleagues. “I have been gainfully employed at the company ever since, handling its operations and being involved in portfolio management and company research,” says Paul.
He is married to Susan and they have two wonderful girls, Genna and Maddie, who are both in their fourth year of university in the Western Cape.
Rand Aid’s CEO Peter Quinn says: “Congratulations to Paul on his new role as chairman of the board. Paul has worked with the organisation for numerous years and as such has a wealth of knowledge about Rand Aid and our vision, mission and values. We are extremely grateful for his commitment and dedication to the organisation as whole, our residents and our employees. The board, executive management and I look forward to taking Rand Aid into the future with Paul at the helm.”
