Mary OakesCEO, Opportunity International UK

Mary Oakes brings over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector, specialising in fundraising for international development. Her career began at Tearfund, helping to establish what is now a global major donor program. Mary has also led fundraising teams at Church Mission Society, World Vision UK, Habitat for Humanity, and Innovista International.

Her work has taken her across Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, raising resources for Christian mission as well as both humanitarian and development work. Sally has also been a board member for Embrace the Middle East for the last seven years. She joined Opportunity International UK in 2023 as Deputy CEO and became CEO in February 2025. Based in north Oxfordshire, she also enjoys the outdoor life with her husband Michael, Springer Spaniel Poppy, and ex-racehorse Moo.