Meet the team

Chris Harte

Chair

Paul Nelson

Vice Chair

Christopher Thomson

Treasurer

Terry Allan

Board member

Shannon Babbie

Board member

Andrew Jarvie

Board member

Lynne Laverty

Board member

Jane McEwan

Board member

Margaret Orr

Board member

Margaret Mary Rafferty

Board member

Karen-Jane Stewart

Board member

Lucy Smith

Board member

Dorry McLaughlin

Chief Executive

Dorry has been the CEO at Scottish Autism for seven years. She joined Scottish Autism from Viewpoint where she was Chief Executive for eight years. Dorry has worked in housing, support and care services for over 30 years including spells in local government and with the housing regulator in England. Although much of Dorry’s experience before joining Scottish Autism has been around working with older people many of the issues autistic people face share a similar dynamic. Dorry brings to Scottish Autism expertise in leading the development of innovative services which support people who often live with complex needs and who are marginalised and disadvantaged simply by being who they are or living where they live. Dorry is passionate about hearing the voices of everybody Scottish Autism supports and all autistic communities however they wish to communicate.

Billy Alexander

Director of Innovation and Growth

Billy joined Scottish Autism in November 2025, bringing over two decades’ experience across psychotherapy, social care and the third sector, with a career rooted in direct therapeutic support for children, young people and families. Formerly the inaugural CEO of Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND), he led the development and delivery of a 2022–2027 strategy to enhance services across the North of Scotland. 

Billy role focuses on innovation in children and young people’s services, growth across Scotland, and strategic partnerships that expand our impact. His practice is informed by lived experience, diagnosed with ADHD at 15, and by extensive work training organisations UK-wide in neurodiversity, inclusion and therapeutic approaches. Billy is values-driven and committed to co-producing solutions that strengthen outcomes for autistic and neurodiverse people and their families. 

Joe Long

Director of Practice and Innovation

Joe joined the executive team in 2023 after ten years at Scottish Autism. He leads on Practice Development; Public Policy and Campaigning; Research; Marketing and Communications; and Income Generation. Joe is committed to the meaningful inclusion of autistic people in decision-making at all levels within Scottish Autism and coordinates the strategy to improve this aspect of the organisation’s practices and governance.

Joe has a PhD in Social Anthropology and worked in academia prior to joining Scottish Autism in order to establish the organisation’s participatory research programme. He also draws on many years’ experience in direct support roles within autism and learning disability services.

Pauline McDonald

Director of Operations

Pauline joined Scottish Autism in July 2022, bringing extensive experience across learning disability, autism, mental health and homelessness services, as well as in managing complex service delivery. Previously a Director of Services with a major care provider, she is highly skilled in leading teams to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred support.

Pauline is committed to ensuring autistic people receive the highest standard of service. She champions person‑led practice, encourages innovation, and promotes excellence grounded in strong values and a human rights‑based approach.

Donna Paton

Director of Finance and Business Services

Donna joined Scottish Autism in January 2024, bringing over 25 years’ experience in social housing, charities and non-departmental government bodies. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Donna’s career has spanned all areas of finance and, more recently, leadership in IT strategy, acquisitions, and commercial subsidiary development. Being passionate about making a difference in the third sector, Donna also serves as a Trustee of a large housing association.

Donna is values driven and is an advocate for collaborative working and improvement initiatives. Making a positive difference to those we support is something Donna is passionate about.

Katherine Wainwright

Director of People and Culture

Katherine joined Scottish Autism in 2020 as Director of People and Culture, with around 20 years of strategic leadership experience across social care, the voluntary sector, social enterprise, consultancy, and voluntary board roles. Katherine’s extensive expertise in leading people functions, national workforce initiatives, collaborative working, and strategic change, with a strong focus on culture and values. Katherine is committed to the voluntary sector, championing inclusion and enabling people to thrive.