Our Board
The Crescendo Board is composed of a diverse skill set of industry leaders who drive the strategy and sustainability of the organisation.
Our Board
Marcus Powell
Founder & Advisor
Marcus founded Crescendo in 2012 and has now stepped into a board and advisory role. He is still a vital member in the Crescendo whanau.
Growing up I had many pathways available to me. Some good, some not so good. As a young teen in a successful band I didn't always make good choices. However, I was fortunate enough to have certain adult role models in my life who stood out and supported me. So, when I reflect back on those years, I can clearly see those available choices and hope to inspire positive change in our young people.
Crescendo allows us to develop our young people from a heart space. I truly believe that if we ensure their happiness, safety, well-being and value sets are cared for, their pathways will be chosen with more clarity and thoughtfulness.
Liz Fraser
Chairperson
Liz’s career expands across the media industry, as well as working at our national airline. Positions held at Air NZ were GM Customer, as well as living 2 ½ years in Los Angeles managing the Americas region.
Her 20+ years in media included senior roles at MediaWorks, GM of MSN New Zealand, and various sales, marketing and television programming roles at TVNZ. Liz’s passion for music began in high school where she completed her LTCL Diploma in Singing.
Supporting to grow Crescendo with helping develop our rangitahi through creative arts is something Liz is excited to be a part of. Liz is married and has a 17-year old daughter.
Katya Sukhova
Treasurer
Katya is a qualified accountant and a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Supporting the Crescendo Trust as treasurer, Katya has over 10 years of experience in professional accounting services, having worked at PwC in Kazakhstan, Australia and New Zealand.
She loves opera, theatre and live performances, and appreciates music in all its forms. As a teenager, Katya experienced the thrill and nerves of performing on stage playing guitar, and is rooting for anyone and everyone putting themselves out there with their art.
Katya is passionate about the not-for-profit sector elevating the role of culture in forming and expressing the personal and societal identities.
Suzanna Pomeroy
Trustee
Suzanna is the Platform Director of Circular Cities Asia, an innovation and knowledge platform fostering entrepreneurship that makes our urban spaces more circular. Based in Singapore, she is also a Global Fellow of the Moving Worlds Institute.
Suzanna has an MA (Distinction) in Philanthropic Studies and is an Associate Practitioner of Social Value and Social Return on Investment.
Most recently, Suzanna has been working with capacity building organisations and is passionate about helping social leaders to communicate their impact and build productive, strategic partnerships with the corporate sector.
Gareth Codd
Trustee
Gareth has over 25 years in the media industry, in executive roles in sales, marketing, operations, data, and technology, both in New Zealand and the UK.
Gareth moved from Wales to Auckland in 2013 and has an MBA with Distinction from Massey University.
For Gareth, Crescendo’s mission really struck a chord. The platform the organisation provides Rangatahi to explore their musical passions and pursue a career in music or production is incredible.
Gigi Green
Trustee
Gigi is the Executive Manager of Quality & Insights at IAG, and has over twenty years experience in financial services.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Art, a Higher Diploma in Education, and various professional certifications, including a Chartered Member IOD Certificate and a Company Directors Course from the Institute of Directors New Zealand.
Gigi is thrilled to be part of an organisation that prioritises and creates safe spaces, mentors and fosters confidence, and offers opportunities for career development and creative expression, allowing our youth to truly be themselves.
Special Advisor
Craig Spillane
Special Advisor
Craig Spillane is the owner and Managing Director of a successful accredited Media Agency, Bullseye Media Ltd. Bullseye Media launched in 1997 and has been responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of media for a number of local and international brands including Sony PlayStation, Absolut, C4 Music Television, Warner Music, JB HiFi, Yamaha and Lighting Direct.
He is also a shareholder for a large family businesses XPO Exhibitions and sits on the Commercial Communications Council’s Media Committee representing Independent Media Agencies.
He is keen to assist the Crescendo Trust mentor programme and those young people it supports. To make a difference by assisting the trust’s work for productive and engaged creative pathways for positive change.
