The Melin Board

There is no doubt that the social housing sector has a big impact on the lives of thousands of people across the country, every day. There is also no doubt the people on the boards of these organisations make decisions which have a long-lasting positive impact for future generations.

Chair – Martin Reed

Martin is a retired finance director of Brains Brewery. He had worked there for 17 years before he retired in June 2019. He is also a non-executive director of Welsh Whisky.

Vice Chair – Anthony Hearn

Anthony is Director of Housing & Communities at Merthyr Valley Homes.

Wendy Bowler

Following a career in the civil service and then public health, Wendy is now a professional genealogist.

Lisa Howells

Lisa is a Sales & Marketing Director for Curo Group with over 20 years’ of property experience within the housing sector; member of the Housebuilding Federation and the National Housing Federation.

Cliff Jones

Cliff is a retired banker, Financial Advisor and Relationship Director for the Social Housing Sector, Education and Local Authorities for Barclays in Wales.

Sarah Tipping

Sarah has a health and social care background, and is currently a Policy, Partnerships and Equalities Manager at Torfaen County Borough Council. Sarah is the Chair of our Quality and Engagement Committee and helps us with our Independent Living team portfolio.

John Jackson

With over 25 years’ marketing experience, John is a strategic marketing consultant. His private practice specialises in brand development, innovation strategy and marketing communications.

Sanni Salisu

Sanni is a Gas Compliance Officer at CCHA, with over a decade of work experience in the housing sector. He has excelled through the ranks from an apprentice role to making an impact in an Asset and Compliance Team.

Sanni has great communication skills and understanding of the heating industry. He specialises in gas compliance and is currently studying asset and building management compliance.

Naomii Thomas

Naomii is a Voids Manager for Cardiff Council who has worked within the Housing Sector since 2009. Naomii passed a Masters Degree in Advanced Housing with Distinction in 2021. She is Qualified in P405 Management of Asbestos in Buildings and currently studying NEBOSH Health and Safety.

Naomii has a passion for achieving a more diverse housing sector and is a member of the Deeds Not Words panel.

Barry Thompson

Barry brings 27 years’ experience of working in the housing sector. 21 of which were working as a Finance Director and has worked on the Board of several housing associations since 2009. Barry has a comprehensive understanding of the operation of all areas of housing, with specific skill and expertise in relation to the business planning, accounting and control, risk, risk management and audit, as well as strategic management.

Natalie Gardner

Natalie’s background is in disability welfare and community engagement. Natalie has been Chair of our Melin Voices group since 2017, working closely with our Communities Team. She has studied Psychology and Governance and works for South Wales Police.

Natalie is passionate about making a positive difference in our communities.

Paula Kennedy & Peter Crockett

As part of the Senior Management Team, Paula and Peter hold executive team Board positions. You can read more about them on our Senior Management Team page.