Derek Mitchell was born and raised in Ayrshire and has spent most of his working life in local government in a variety of management and public policy positions.  He worked for the first Scottish Government as a Policy Advisor before joining COSLA in 2005, where he became a Chief Officer leading on work with both the UK and Scottish Governments, as well as other key stakeholders. He became Chief Executive of CAS in August 2017. Derek’s passion and drive is to give a voice to people who otherwise would not be heard and ensuring policy makers understand the real needs of many people in Scotland when making decisions. He lives in Edinburgh. 

Before joining CAS, Anne held a number of positions across the public and private sectors within The Royal Bank of Scotland, Glasgow University and Scottish Water. 

Anne spent 10 years in the police service in a strategic planning, analysis and performance role, she project managed the Scottish Policing Assessment and was instrumental in establishing the Scottish Police Performance Framework. 

In 2019 Anne was recognised with an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honours list, for services to consumers.

David joined CAS as Strategic Lead for Social Justice in October 2022, moving from a role in the Scottish Government's Directorate for International Trade and Investment. Prior to that, David was Deputy CEO at Money Advice Scotland where he led on the design and delivery of the organisation’s strategic plan.

Karen Nailen took up her role at CAS in October 2025. She was formerly the Chief Executive of West Lothian Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Chair of COCABs.  She served as a Trustee of Citizens Advice Scotland between 2015 and 2022 and chaired the Policy Forum for several years.    She was recently appointed to the Vulnerable Consumers Working Group with Consumer Scotland.  Karen has worked for the network for 27 years, joining Motherwell & Wishaw CAB as a school leaver and going on to enjoy a varied and interesting career which has included administrative work, volunteer training and development and being a specialist money adviser. Whilst working Karen went to university graduating with a degree in business management.  Karen became CEO of West Lothian CAB in 2011 and under her leadership it underwent significant developments including delivery of several national projects and specialist projects across West Lothian.