Senior
Leadership
Team

A qualified Chartered Accountant with a Master's in Educational Management and Leadership, he has spent the last 20 years as Principal/CEO at two different FE Colleges in south Wales. In 2024, he was awarded the MBE in the King’s Honours for his contribution to education. 

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, sports, theatre and reading.

With a background in strategic leadership, Kelly has held leadership roles in academic services, curriculum planning and student support.

Notable achievements include driving transformational change, securing multiple quality assurance commendations, leading successful crisis management during the pandemic and cyber-attack, and representing the sector at key forums. 

She is passionate about lifelong learning, family time and exploring the outdoors.

With a background in law and a BA Hons in History from Cardiff University, he worked as a solicitor before transitioning into further education. Over the past 12 years, he has developed a strong reputation for enhancing student experience, with leadership across ALN, learner services, safeguarding and digital transformation.

An Estyn Peer Inspector and keynote speaker, James is passionate about inclusive education and innovation. His work has led to multiple national wards including the TES FE Award for Support for Learning and NASEN award for best 16 provision in the UK. 

Outside of work, he coaches his daughter’s football team, serves as a school governor and trustee, and enjoys collecting vinyl and watching football and rugby.

He chairs several key strategic groups within the College, including the Risk Management Committee, the Information Security Committee, and the Sustainability Group, ensuring robust governance, data integrity, and a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility.

Mike is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over a decade of experience in the audit and accountancy sector, having worked with the leading firm PwC before joining the College in 2005. His professional background provides a strong foundation for his work in driving financial excellence and strategic development.

Outside of his professional role, Mike is an avid athlete. He enjoys jogging, competing in triathlons, and playing pickleball.

He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport, Culture, and Society and has undertaken further leadership training. With a proven track record in FE, Paul previously worked at Capital Law and Cardiff and Vale College, driving financial growth and award-winning teams.

Notable achievements include winning multiple national awards, such as the 2024 AoC Beacon Award for Widening Participation, and being named in Wales Online’s 35 Under 35. 

Outside of work, he enjoys watching his son play football.

With over 20 years’ experience in further education, Sarah holds a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Personnel and Development (CIPD) from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Her previous roles include Director of HR at Bridgend College and Employee Relations Advisor at Swansea College.

Sarah has led the College’s award-winning menopause initiative, recognised at the 2023 CIPD Awards and praised by national figures. In 2024, she presented at Wales’ first Menopause Roundtable and at Downing Street on International Women’s Day.

Sarah has received multiple accolades, including HR Director and HR Star of the Year at the Wales HR Awards (2018–2022) and People Leader of the Year at the Inside Out Awards 2024. That same year, Gower College Swansea was named Best Public Sector Organisation.

She enjoys supporting wellbeing initiatives and, outside of work, likes walking her dog.

Nikki also oversees the higher education programmes, skills development initiatives, school partnerships, and the promotion of Welsh culture and language. She leads the adult community learning provision and provides strategic direction to ensure inclusive and impactful educational opportunities across the region.

Nikki represents the College externally as a Director on the Novus Gower Board and plays a key role in supporting education delivery at Parc Prison.

Outside of her professional life, Nikki enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines and walking.

Jenny has also worked as a surveyor, overseeing diverse portfolios across the North of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. She has consulted for several councils on regeneration projects, including Manchester Airport and Kings Dock Waterfront. As Regional Manager for the BBC, she managed facilities and procurement for MediaCityUK, an award-winning media and technology hub in Salford.

Holding a First-Class degree in Psychology and currently studying for an MSc in Psychology and Wellbeing, Lucy has over 20 years of classroom experience. Previously, she led diverse learning areas, including creative arts and humanities and hair and beauty. She designed the Gower College Teaching Academy, led successful A Level provision, and co-authored two psychology textbooks.

As Principal Examiner for WJEC Psychology, Lucy contributed to the development of teaching resources. 

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, strength training, running, and supporting her son’s football matches.

With over 20 years experience in the FE sector, Jenny has held a variety of leadership roles, including Learning Area Manager for Creative Arts and Humanities. A former senior examiner with WJEC, she has led professional training across Wales and authored two core Psychology textbooks.

She is passionate about community engagement, volunteering with disadvantaged groups, and enjoys travel, sport, and new challenges.

Before joining Gower College Swansea, Cath served as Deputy Director for Employability and Skills for Welsh Government. She has led key initiatives such as Jobs Growth Wales and the Skills Implementation Plan.

At the College, she developed the award-winning Better Jobs, Better Futures programme, which has transformed lives across the local community. 

Outside of work, she enjoys walking, watching sport, and spending time with family and friends.

Previously, as Campus Lead for Llwyn y Bryn, he doubled the full-time cohort and achieved outstanding success rates, with learners earning accolades in national competitions. He also led record international student recruitment and high-value commercial contracts.

An Estyn Peer Inspector and Co-Chair of the Adult Learning Partnership Wales, Kieran contributes to national lifelong learning initiatives. Outside of work, he is passionate about sport, especially hurling, and enjoys coaching his children.

His career includes commercial experience at Mertec and Virgin Media, followed by 21 years at Coleg Sir Gar, rising to second in charge of IT. He chairs the Wales FE IT Systems Managers group, has spoken at UK and international events, and has been a member of the Welsh Government PSIADA.

Outside of work, Simon is passionate about DIY, engineering, cycling, cars, green energy, and open-source tech solutions.

As Director of Marketing, Communications and PR, she leads strategic campaigns that drive recruitment and strengthens reputation. She leads the College’s Admissions and Print Room teams, ensuring alignment between operational delivery and marketing strategy.

Marie has held senior roles with institutions including Cardiff University, National Museum Wales and South Wales Police, bringing a wealth of cross-sector experience and a proven track record in stakeholder engagement, media relations, brand development and marketing communications.

A long-standing member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Marie is a regular speaker at national education marketing conferences.

Outside of work, Marie is a busy mam and passionate about wellbeing and keeping fit.

Cath's career began in primary education before moving into further education, where she has worked as a lecturer, verifier, mentor, and now senior leader. A committed Estyn Peer Inspector, she is passionate about raising educational standards. She has led the College to achieve College of Sanctuary status and UK Skills Centre of Excellence recognition. 

Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, yoga, reading and cooking.