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Meet the judges

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Gemma Baal

Exeter Phoenix

Gemma has been leading on the Green Phoenix Project at Exeter Phoenix since 2021. During which time there have been major improvements to the historic building, a 15% reduction in the company’s carbon footprint, and three community festivals celebrating sustainability.

She is also a Carbon Literacy trainer, and a former winner of the Citizen’s Award in 2024 (now renamed Sustainability Hero).

 

Photo by Theo Moye 24/09/26 Princesshay hold the We Can Do More Event, featuring a Sustainable Fashion show by Exeter College students.
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Aaron Hodgkiss

Stagecoach South West

Aaron Hodgkiss is an Operations Manager at Stagecoach South West in Exeter. Working in public transport, Aaron is passionate about delivering reliable services for local communities and recognises the important role sustainable transport has to play in Exeter’s future.

He is delighted to be joining the judging panel for the Exeter Sustainability Awards and looks forward to celebrating the people and organisations making a real difference across the city.

 

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Bill Holland

Princesshay Shopping Centre

Bill oversees the operational management of Princesshay, ensuring the destination runs efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards every day. He keeps the centre running smoothly behind the scenes. He brings valuable practical insight, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of operational excellence to his role as an Exeter Sustainability Awards judge.

 

 

Bill Holland - use this one!
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Wendy Kearns

Wendy Kearns

Exeter Food Action

Wendy Kearns is Manager at Exeter Food Action, a local charity tackling food waste while supporting communities across Exeter and Devon.

Wendy joined Exeter Food Action as a delivery driver, collecting surplus food and delivering it to local community organisations.  She then became Volunteer Coordinator before taking on her current role as Manager.  Having worked her way up from the delivery van, Wendy has a real understanding of every part of the organisation and, most importantly, the people who make it happen.

Today, Exeter Food Action is supported by an amazing team of 72 volunteers and distributes to 76 frontline organisations.  In 2025 alone , the team saved an incredible 114 tonnes of food from going to waste.  Wendy is immensely proud of what they achieve together and particularly in awe of the volunteers who give their time, energy and commitment to making it possible.

Before joining Exeter Food Action, Wendy worked in a number of community-focussed roles, including working with children in residential care and with the homeless at St Petrock’s in Exeter.  These experiences have shaped her belief in the importance of kindness, dignity and practical support for people who need it.

Wendy was delighted when Exeter Food Action was recognised at the 2026 Exeter Sustainability Awards and is thrilled to be joining the -judging panel for the 2027 Awards.  She brings a practical, community-focussed perspective and is looking forward to celebrating the people, organisations and ideas that are making a positive difference to Exeter and beyond.