Ilene first joined TIS in 1991 before being appointed the role of CEO in 2002. Under Ilene’s two decades of leadership, TIS has enjoyed great success as she steered its team to become the leading organisation in Scotland, focused on housing, community development and engagement practice.

In that time, there have been major developments across the housing landscape and Ilene has been instrumental in effecting positive change and contributing to the national housing agenda. Ilene has focused her career on encouraging the sector to think differently about tenant participation and engagement – an advocate for championing the fundamental role it plays in influencing an active, inclusive, and just Scotland.

Ilene has led a number of important events which she reflects on as personal high points, including conducting research that resulted in the introduction of a legal framework for tenant participation – the first of its kind in Scotland. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 was a giant leap forward for tenants’ rights and outlines legislation, supported by Ilene’s analysis, to develop a platform on which successful and meaningful engagement can be built upon. She also led to the development of a “National Framework for Tenant Participation” in partnership with the University of Glasgow.

The last 20 years has seen Ilene spearhead a number of new initiatives and working relationships with sector leaders across the UK and internationally. She has also been the driving force behind the long-standing partnership between TIS and East Ayrshire, East Lothian, and South Lanarkshire Councils to provide development support and ensure tenants have a meaningful role in shaping housing service delivery.

After making her announcement to step down at the close of the TIS National Housing Conference and Exhibition 2024, Ilene said: “Deciding to step down as CEO of TIS hasn’t been an easy one as I have been on an amazing journey with the organisation. Looking back, I am so proud of how far we have come and the difference we make to the lives of people in communities across Scotland.

“Whilst I look forward to the next stage of my life, I will miss the fantastic Board and talented colleagues and want to thank them for the support that I have received during my time at TIS. I leave confident that the organisation will go from strength to strength and that my successor will inherit a strong and ambitious team.”

Alice Bovill, chair of the TIS board, added: “Ilene is a supportive leader and mentor and her energy, passion, and tenacity has inspired those that she works with to no end, to provide meaningful opportunities for tenants and communities to have their say and protect vital tenant rights.

“She deeply cares about creating and sustaining fair, healthy, safe, prosperous, and diverse communities, and on behalf of TIS and its Board, I would like to thank Ilene for her significant contribution. We wish her the very best in her future.”