New members welcomed to our Board
We’re delighted to welcome three new members to our Board.
Kate Warburton, Fiona Holland and Steven Shanahan have recently joined the Board as non-executive directors, bringing with them a broad range of expertise and experience.
Kate Warburton is an External Affairs Manager at the National Housing Federation and brings a wealth of sector insight, operations knowledge, PR experience and stakeholder engagement skills to the board.
Kate said: “Growing up in a small village, I’ve seen first-hand the impact of the issues facing rural communities, particularly the availability and suitability of affordable housing. I’m so pleased I can use my professional skills and experience to make more of a difference locally.”
Fiona Holland brings to the board her expertise in customer engagement, corporate governance, compliance, risk management and digital communications, gained from over 20 years in senior management positions in the financial services sector. She is also an Independent Lay Panel Member for Health Education England and a Magistrate on the Worcestershire Bench for both Adult and Youth Courts.
Fiona said: “I feel passionate about people and making a positive difference to my local communities. I’m driven by ensuring the customer is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m looking forward to using my skills to support the organisation’s strategic plan delivery.”
Steven Shanahan has over 20 years’ experience creating, maintaining and improving social housing and strategic housing services. Since 2001 he has been the lead for housing in several councils in the Midlands, including as Chief Housing Officer. He also brings partnership experience to WRHA as the lead for creating shared services in respect of disabled adaptations and rough sleeping across two counties. In 2019, Steven was made a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing in recognition of his work in the sector.
Steven said: “I’m excited to be given this opportunity to work with local communities to create sustainable homes. I’m looking forward to guiding Warwickshire Rural’s work to house local people, affordably, in the areas in which they live, work and have family and support links.”
Chair of the Board, Ruth Bagley adds: “We’re so pleased to welcome Fiona, Kate and Steven to the board. Their appointments and experience complement, and will further strengthen, our existing Board. Their skills will ensure we are equipped to continue providing much needed affordable homes for those with a local connection and so keep Warwickshire’s villages alive.”