Neelam Devesher MBE DL is Chair of the Community Foundation for Surrey and brings a strong record of public service, strategic leadership and voluntary commitment to strengthening communities.

With more than 30 years’ experience working across the public, private and community sectors, Neelam has led major partnership and improvement programmes focused on widening opportunity, supporting vulnerable communities and driving positive change. Throughout her career she has been committed to bringing organisations together to address complex social challenges and improve outcomes for those facing disadvantage.

Deeply committed to serving all of Surrey’s communities, Neelam is passionate about promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity and about upholding the values of fairness, respect, liberty and responsibility. She believes that strong and resilient communities are built on shared values, mutual trust and active civic engagement, and that local giving has a powerful role in helping communities thrive.

In recognition of her service to the county, Neelam was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey. She has also been appointed by His Majesty The King as the next Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey and will take up the role in September 2026, representing The King across the county and celebrating the work of individuals, charities and organisations who make a difference in the lives of others.

She remains deeply committed to helping ensure that every community across Surrey has the opportunity to flourish.