Until recently, I was the Finance Director at Mslexia Publications Ltd, a magazine devoted to developing women’s writing since 1999. I am a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in both corporate and not-for-profit sectors, and have lived in the North East for most of the time since 1986.
My career began with 12 years in corporate roles at Procter & Gamble, working both locally and internationally. I then made a significant change of direction, serving as Director at Bede’s World and Beamish, two leading heritage organisations. In 2008, I established my own consultancy, providing project management and interim leadership across the arts and heritage sectors. My strengths lie in project development, fundraising, business planning, strategic reviews, and operational improvement. I am also deeply committed to people development and training, with a strong focus on achieving excellence through engagement with audiences, communities, and service users.
Alongside executive roles, I have been an experienced Non-Executive Director and Board member since 2007, with appointments across the NHS, housing, and charitable/heritage organisations. I have a particular interest in mental health, having served as Chair of a large NHS mental health trust until 2022. I am also actively involved with Society Matters, a CIC subsidiary of Citizens Advice Gateshead, which focuses on poverty relief.
Interests
I am passionate about museums, art galleries, and the performing arts, and I also enjoy food (both cooking and eating), wine, and travel.
