Charity Data Exchange was created by Brendan Connolly, a chartered accountant and director of Service Industry Support Limited ("SISL"), which sponsors this website.

For 2008-11 he was Trustee/Treasurer of the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries, otherwise known as "Play Matters".  He is currently seeking a new Trustee role.

Brendan holds the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Diploma in Charity Accounting (DChA) and an MSc in Charity Accounting and Financial Management awarded by City University, London following his dissertation entitled "What are the key issues in charity finance now?".

As part of the Diploma course, Brendan undertook pro bono projects for Marie Curie Cancer Care and World Emergency Relief.

Brendan undertakes interim management assignments for clients, acting as Finance Director. Following a career as Finance Director of a wide range of SMEs (start ups to £ 250 m revenue), his primary focus is now on the "not for profit" sector.