Board profiles

CDCFBoardMembers2011

Please see below for a short summary of our Board of Trustees

Meet the board

Sir Paul Nicholson KCVO
Sir Paul Nicholson KCVO
President

Sir Paul has been Lord Lieutenant of County Durham since 1997. He also holds numerous other positions throughout the region. Sir Paul was awarded the KCVO (Knight Commander of the Victorian Order) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2011.

Mark I'Anson
Mark I'Anson
Chairman

Mark is Chair of Council and Pro Chancellor at Newcastle University. Since selling his own NASDAQ listed company IMP, Mark has become involved in a range of economic development activities in the region. He is a board member of three local SMEs and is also chairman of NEL, the North East’s leading Venture Capital firm. In addition, Mark is on the steering committee of both Newcastle Science City and the Northern Way and a Director of three major local charities. His personal interests include racing cars, skiing and sailing (all as fast as he can!). Mark is also a champion leek grower.

David Watson, FCMA
David Watson, FCMA
Vice-chairman

Previously Chief Internal Auditor for the North East Region with British Rail for all rail locations and the National Pension Fund, David spent most of his career as Company Secretary for the Northumbrian Water Group. Since retiring in 2000, David is enjoying spending his time playing golf, travelling, swimming and singing with his local amateur dramatics group.

Michele Armstrong
Michele Armstrong
Trustee

Michele is currently the Chief Executive Officer of 2D (infrastructure organisation providing support to the Voluntary and Community Sector). Prior to that she worked for NACRO as a placement manager, but started her working life with Marks and Spencer through their management training programme. She has brought 2D from a £60K a year Volunteer Bureau to the infrastructure support organisation it is today; which - as of the last financial year - had a £1.2 million income. 2D is accredited to Volunteer England and the National Association of Voluntary Action, and primarily covers the two former districts in County Durham of Teesdale and Wear Valley. She resides in County Durham with her daughter, where she is passionate about the local voluntary and community sector and has been a vocal supporter of local grass roots efforts, to develop, enhance and change communities.

Ada Burns
Ada Burns
Trustee

Ada has served as CEO of Darlington Borough Council since 2005. Prior to that her career was focussed in London, in a range of housing and regeneration roles in local government, housing association, and an urban development company. She plays a leading role in partnership arrangements to grow the economy of the Tees Valley and is currently a vice chair of the Association of North East Councils Chief Executives’ Group. Ada lives in Teesdale with her husband and two children. Her interests are gardening, walking and family.

George Garlick OBE
Trustee

On September 22nd 2008 George was appointed Chief Executive of Durham County Council. After starting his career as a teacher, George taught in the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency’s college in Riyadh for two years before returning to England. He then worked as a solicitor with various councils in England before becoming Assistant Chief Executive with Cumbria County Council in 1993. In 1995 George was appointed as the first Chief Executive for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. In 2007 George was awarded an OBE for services to local government. George is married with one child. His interests are reading, walking and golf when he has the time.

Christopher Lendrum CBE
Christopher Lendrum CBE
Trustee, Chair of Investment Committee

Currently Chairman of Barclays Pension Funds Trustees Ltd, following his retirement from Barclays PLC in 2004 after 36 years with the bank, where he was latterly Group Vice Chairman. Chris was appointed CBE in 2005 for services to banking. In his earlier career Chris gained extensive domestic and international banking experience, with senior appointments including Deputy MD UK Banking and Chairman Barclays Africa and Group Executive Director. Recently he and his wife Margaret – whom he met whilst studying at Durham University – have relocated to the north east with a home in Durham City and Northumberland. In addition, Chris is a Governor of Motability, Chairman of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and a Trustee of the City of London Endowment Fund for St Paul’s Cathedral.

Andrew Martell DL
Andrew Martell DL
Trustee

Andrew is currently Divisional Director of investment management group Brewin Dolphin Ltd, having previously been in publishing with George Bell & Sons, London. He is currently Chairman of St John’s Ambulance, County Durham; Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham; Trustee, Project Genesis; President, Elizabeth Finn Care County Durham; Patron, North East Community Forests Appeal; Patron, Chillingham Wild Cattle Association. He was also appointed High Sheriff of County Durham from 2002 – 2003. Andrew’s personal interests include shooting, reading – especially literature & history and classical music.

David Martin FCIS
David Martin FCIS
Trustee, Chair of Finance & General Purposes Committee

David has been Company Secretary for national development company, Banks Group since 1987. He spent his earlier career in Assistant Company Secretary positions with Arriva PLC, Barratt Developments PLC and Swan Hunter Shipbuilders. David’s main interest outside business is cricket – as a former player and Club Secretary at Boldon Cricket Club; as an avid supporter of Durham CCC and as an administrator (having served on four Benefit Committees at Durham and currently as a Trustee of the Durham County Cricket Club Youth Trust). Other personal interests are predominantly active – football, golf, squash, skiing, cycling and running.

Lady Nicholson
Lady Nicholson
Trustee

Lady Nicholson holds various positions across County Durham including: President North East England Japanese Women’s Society and Chair of Northumbria Historic Houses Association. Lady Nicholson’s personal interests include art, gardening and music.

Gerry Osborne
Gerry Osborne
Trustee, Chair of Strategic Development

Currently Chairman of Roman Ltd, now the UK’s leading shower manufacturer, a company which he founded in 1985. Gerry was previously with C&J Clarks Ltd and Rothmans International. In the past he has served as President of UK Bath and Shower Manufacturers Federation and President of European Bath and Shower Manufacturers Federation. He is currently trustee and director of Northern Sinfonia. In his spare time Gerry enjoys flying, rugby union, cricket, music, gardening and geology. After growing up in Wales, he has now lived with his family in the North East for over 25 years.

Kate Welch OBE DL
Kate Welch OBE DL
Trustee

Kate is Chief Executive of the Acumen Development Trust, which works to achieve social and economic regeneration in the East Durham area. She was responsible for setting up the Easington Action Team for Jobs and developing the Aim High partnership. She is also a board member of Groundwork East Durham, Street NE, the Keyfund Federation and Complementary Care. Kate, who also has an MA in Social Policy from the University of York, sits on the Education Board of Sunderland AFC Foundation. In her spare time, Kate is an active member of the Methodist Church and of Girl Guiding UK. Kate was awarded an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours list for services to Social Enterprise in the North East. She is also a board member of the regional development agency One North East.