What is your role at Oaks?
My role encompasses strategy, leadership development, project management, organisational efficiency and improvement, business planning and facilities. I have specialist knowledge of public sector sport and local government, and my key strengths are in feasibility studies, funding bids and project management.

How would you summarise your career and experience to date?
I have practical experience of every job in sport, from pool attendant to National GB Women's Team Water Polo Coach, football referee to Chief Cultural and Community Services officer, club secretary to Regional Director of Sport England.

My achievements during my career include authoring the East Midlands Regional Plan for Sport, which lead to a multimillion pound investment in sports, heritage and community facilities in Leicestershire. I then project managed several significant capital builds including pools, centres, and heritage projects - even the rebuilding of a canal! I have delivered a National CSP improvement project, a regional leadership programme in the West Midlands and successful organisational change evidenced in best value and CPA results.

What do you think is unique about Oaks?
What is unique about Oaks is that we have a great team; a team that's been there and done it and got the tee shirt - at all levels within the key sectors! We can tune in quickly to what our clients want and need and help them deliver.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the world of sport in the next 5 years?
This has got to be the great opportunity presented by the hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic games to deliver a more active and successful sporting nation, but it has to be sustainable. The Games have the magic that can we can use as a catalyst to increase sports participation and performance, but after the current economic downturn both private and particularly public sector finances will be tight for a long time, and our sports organisations, partnerships and delivery will have to be sharper, more effective and efficient.

What is your favourite sporting moment?
Winning the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games for GB!

What is your personal greatest sporting achievement?
Leading the GB Women's Water Polo Team, as Head Coach, on to the poolside to the National Anthem and Union Jack. Makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck!

If you get any free time, how do you like to use it?
Swimming, tennis, golf and long distance walks.