Melvin Pedro has been a partner in Penningtons Manches Cooper, a City law firm with more than 100 partners, for over 30 years. He is a corporate lawyer, has been Managing Partner and Head of Department and now has responsibility for outsourcing operations as a member of the Management Board.
Melvin is also Chair of Governors at Ilford County High School, having been a governor for 15 years and previously Chair of the Finance Committee. He has chaired appeals from staff, students and parents and worked closely with the Local Authority.
Melvin’s wife and two children have all been cheder teachers at Sukkat Shalom and their experiences have informed Melvin’s understanding of how to attract younger people into our synagogues.
He is the Senior Warden at Sukkat Shalom and was Chair of the synagogue when they renovated the synagogue building with finance provided by the National Lottery Board and English Heritage.
Melvin’s strong passion for Reform Judaism began nearly 40 years ago when he joined West London Synagogue and was inspired by the leadership and sermons of Rabbi Hugo Gryn. For many years he has been a lay reader at his synagogue, regularly leading and attending services as well as adult education classes.
Having been involved in Reform Judaism at a local level and at a regional level through ECAMPS, Melvin now has the experience, time and enthusiasm to be involved on a national level.