As an experienced community relations professional, Poppy Humphrey is passionate about bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve. Poppy’s expertise includes strategic planning and engagement, developing professional networking frameworks, and event management. Poppy is so passionate about strategic planning, that for fun, she completed a Master’s degree in that very subject to complement the community relations special skills she has developed over the last twenty years

Prior to joining LINK, Poppy oversaw off-campus management services on behalf of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, where she delivered educational programs and community-based learning to over 100,000 students. Poppy believes in the importance of partnership, having achieved success in stakeholder engagement initiatives and developed strategic multi-agency approaches at both a hyperlocal and national level. In recognition of her commitment to supporting local communities and delivering critical response strategies during the pandemic, Poppy was presented with the prestigious Certificate of Commendation by Greater Manchester Police in 2022. 

Poppy is currently the only certified UK-based practitioner in Town-Gown relations, awarded by the International Town-Gown Association. Poppy co-founded the United Kingdom Town and Gown Association (UKTGA), a knowledge-exchange forum that provides support to a network of over 400 town-gown practitioners. Applying her practical experience and in-depth knowledge of both UK and US approaches, Poppy worked tirelessly to drive up standards across the Higher Education sector by developing training programs and delivering many in-person and virtual conferences. Poppy was also elected Board Member to the UK National Association of Student Residential Accommodation, where she oversaw communications strategies and professional development program design.

Poppy has a wealth of experience across various organizational settings far beyond the Higher Education sector. Former roles include Customer Experience Manager for a national subsidized housing organization, where she focused on service redesign, change-management practices, and improving customer satisfaction metrics. Poppy has also held roles as Senior Policy Research and Communications Officer for a UK Government regulatory body, shaping national housing policy, and working for an elected official in the UK House of Commons, specializing in constituency consultation to support localized communities on a number of thematic policy areas.

Poppy places great emphasis on sharing best practice with others, and always takes a truly authentic and transformational leadership approach when creating an inspiring vision and supporting others to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Poppy is skilled at providing strategic counsel across a broad range of sectors and to various stakeholders, and developing solid community relationships. She intrinsically understands the fundamental importance of creating trust, maintaining effective communications, and delivering on promises. 

Poppy lives in Cheshire, England with her fabulously talented partner, Scott, where they enjoy country life. She has traveled extensively, particularly to the States both for vacation and in a professional capacity. Poppy is an avid Manchester City fan, and when she's not cheering along 'the blues’ she's perfecting her dog training techniques. She holds a certificate in canine psychology, which comes in handy when looking after her beloved, giant 200 lb. Dogue De Bordeaux, Ace!