The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of its first CEO – Capt Polly Marsh DL.
Polly joined our grants committee in 2021 as a volunteer and 12 months later she was appointed as a Trustee.
Polly is passionate about the life-changing benefits outdoor activities can bring into the lives of young people. In fact her own life story mirrors that of many of the young people we support as she grew up in a deprived area where she attended one of the worst-performing schools in the country. Polly’s life was transformed after joining the OTC at university and taking part in several expeditions (and many more since).
Prior to joining the Trust Polly worked at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in youth engagement as an Army Reservist. A former Army Officer who served with the Royal Engineers and Royal Artillery, Polly has also run a successful business, led several expeditions, and was recently appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset. She brings with her a wealth of skills, knowledge, experience, contacts and enthusiasm and we are thrilled to have her join our staff team.
On being appointed Polly commented, “I am delighted to have been selected to be the first CEO for The Ulysses Trust. I passionately believe in the impact that outdoor challenge and adventure has on young people’s confidence, resilience and leadership skills, helping people grow into happy, successful, valuable members of society and our armed forces. I will work hard to ensure these life changing opportunities are open to all our cadets and reservists, no matter what background or financial circumstances.”
Chair of Trustees, AVM Nick Kurth said, “I am delighted that we appointed Polly as the first CEO of the Trust. She brings a raft of relevant experience to the role. Closer to home, it means that my deputy, Phil Neame, and I can take a slight rest, noting that we have undertaken the role between us for the last 10 years.”