Crystal joins Our Future as North East Lincs Operational Lead, bringing experience in community leadership and engagement.
Crystal specialises in creating the connections and conditions that help people, organisations and communities come together to shape a positive lasting future. She has extensive experience in community leadership, engagement and finding meaningful ways for people to connect and work together.
Before joining Our Future, Crystal led alumni engagement at the University of Hull, acting as the conduit for alumni across the globe to retain that sense of belonging. She developed ways for alumni to stay connected and give back through networking, events, philanthropy and mentoring to support students, each other and the institution they are proud of. Crystal designed and executed a range of events to engage with graduates from across multiple generations, whilst simultaneously showcasing and celebrating the successes and contributions of their own community.
Crystal also delivered the flagship Humber Business Week dinner, created to encourage collaboration and reinforce a sense of pride within the region. In 2025 she managed the induction of the first cohort of Alumni Laureates; an award recognising graduates making extraordinary contributions to society. She recently opened a legacy space on campus to give the University community a dedicated space to recognise, remember and celebrate their loved ones, a project she counts among her proudest achievements.
Earlier in her career, Crystal worked at Macmillan Cancer Support across Hull, East Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire, helping communities access care while delivering mass participation events that brought people together around a shared cause.
Crystal is passionate about supporting local leadership and creating opportunities for people to connect, learn from each other and feel part of building something bigger. She also volunteers as a grassroots football coach and manager.
“Coming back to work in the place I grew up in feels really meaningful. I’m excited about what we can achieve together and can’t wait to meet people and support the work that’s already underway.”
– Crystal Ness, North East Lincs Operational Lead
Crystal would love to meet up with local people and organisations. You can get in touch with Crystal by emailing crystal@our-future.io
