PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- SUSTAINABLE RECREATION COORDINATOR
Alec's initial sport, racing sailing dinghies, took her to the south of the UK and Europe as a sailing instructor, before settling in beautiful Pembrokeshire as an outdoor adventure guide, more than a decade ago. Looking for a change of career into the conservation and sustainable sector, Alec joined the PCF team in 2018. Combining 16 years experience of working in the outdoor adventure sector with knowledge gained from a BSc in Environmental Science and PGCert in Ecology, she co-ordinates three projects, Pembrokeshire Marine Code, Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter and Wales Activity Mapping. With a passion for the environment and natural world, any spare time away from work is taken up by a number of different interests including cycling, running, swimming and coastal walks.
Born and raised in Haverfordwest, Andy has worked in Britain and internationally for over 30 years in environmental conservation and sustainable economic development in the private sector, with international NGOs and with multilateral agencies. He founded and ran a pioneering and multi award-winning ecotourism business and lead expeditions in the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands for many years. With the conservation NGO The Nature Conservancy, he worked with protected area systems around the world to harness the potential of nature-focused tourism to contribute to conservation finance and local economic development. As an independent consultant Andy works on integrating biodiversity conservation into economic development strategies working principally as an environmental safeguards specialist for the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank and others on agriculture, coastal development, and forestry projects. He is a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and is an experienced scuba divemaster.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
Beth grew up in Pembrokeshire and has recently moved back home after several years away at university, working, and travelling. She started out studying Fine Art, but soon found her way into Sustainability through a mixture of societies and work placements during her BSc in Marketing at and her MSc in Sustainability and Consultancy. A stint working in yachting and being back by the sea also sparked her interest in marine protection and enhancement, leading Beth to pursue a career in the industry.
She joins PCF from her previous role in Sustainability Consulting, where she gained a thorough understanding of a broad range of issues in sustainability including carbon reporting and reduction, inclusive design and sustainable resource management. Outside of work, Beth can often be found doing yoga, horse riding along the South Pembrokeshire beaches, or doing some painting.
Following the completion of her 1st class degree in Geography at Bristol, Charlotte first began her career in a Transport Planning Consultancy in Swindon but later moved home to a post in the European Team in Pembrokeshire County Council. She later progressed onto managing a large EU RDP project for Pembrokeshire Business Initiative. Whilst in her current role as Business Development Manager for marine engineers Mainstay Marine Solutions Ltd; Charlotte has worked directly with Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum on several projects including Marine Energy Wales, the Marine Energy Test Area (META) as well as supporting various educational visits. Charlotte is also a Business Wales mentor and a member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). She lives locally with her husband and triplet daughters and, is major advocate for sustainable rural/coastal development.
David has worked in marine management across the world for over twenty years. His experience includes: running environmental campaigns on the beaches of Australia, researching marine plastic pollution in the Pacific, leading on policy advice at a pivotal time for the UK's marine legislation, and working on the world's largest offshore renewable energy programme. He has gained a wide range of knowledge and skills from working within a diverse range of organisations - including NGOs, industry, universities and government agencies. David headed development and asset management teams in the Crown Estate and he previously led the strategic advice to the business portfolios on topic areas such as marine spatial planning and marine policy. Prior to this, his work focussed on marine pollution; specifically, bathing and shellfish water quality for the Environment Agency. He now leads a global suite of ocean conservation projects for the Blue Marine Foundation. David has a marine science PhD and is a Fellow of the IMarEST.
Ella volunteered with us remotley and has been developing activities so pupils can find out about how coastal processes, human activity and climate change have shaped Amroth. These resources will support our work with Pembrokeshire Schools and will complement our visits to this site when its practical to take groups there again.
Job Titles:
- FINANCE
- OFFICE COORDINATOR
Born and bred in Pembrokeshire, Emma attended Greenhill School, Pembrokeshire College and graduation from University of Wales Swansea with a BA (Hons) in American Studies (History, Politics & Literature). Joining PCF in October 2022, she brings a wealth of experience from previous admin, finance and HR roles having worked in the education and third sector for a number of years. Emma is AAT qualified, recently completed a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration and is currently learning Welsh. Having worked away for a few years, Emma returned home to Pembrokeshire with a renewed sense of just how special this coastline and its communities are, and she is dedicated in playing her part to conserve its unique beauty. Outside the office, Emma enjoys walking the beaches and clifftops of Pembrokeshire with her husband.
Holly has been passionate about tackling climate ever since primary school and has for many years aspired to help Wales achieve its renewable potential. Holly graduated from the University of Leeds with a First-Class (BA) Geography Industrial Degree and joined Marine Energy Wales in June 2022. Holly is especially interested in supporting Pembrokeshire transition to marine renewables and create tangible positive impacts on the local and wider community.
Outside of work, Holly spends the majority of her time at the beach running her women's surf school Shaka Surf, or surfing herself.
James was born and raised in North Pembrokeshire, and after fifteen years away studying, travelling and working, Pembrokeshire finally called him home. He has a BA (Hons) in Business Management & Finance, and has worked in various roles in the private and public sector including ‘British Standards Institution', ‘Welsh Government' (WDA), and ‘Communities First'. Joining in February 2014 James has eleven years' experience in third sector Financial Management and Community Interest Companies. He is tasked with the Financial Management of PCF, working so that Pembrokeshire's natural, historic and magical landscape is protected for future generations. In his spare time James can be found with his wife and daughter on the beaches and coastline of Pembrokeshire walking, writing about its Ancient history, fundraising in the local community, immersed in the local culture and enjoying the company of his family and friends.
Job Titles:
- MARINE ENERGY PROJECT Manager
Jay has a background in interdisciplinary environmental sciences, having studied and undertaken research addressing contemporary environmental challenges in the UK, Canada and Denmark. Over the years he has also built up a diverse range of project management experience spanning hospitality and live events, community radio, an environmental non-profit and a green tech start-up. One of his main areas of interest is the merger of sustainability with business management, which has now drawn him into the world of marine energy where he hopes to apply his diverse set of skills and experience towards advancing the interests of this growing sector.
Outside of work Jay can be found pursuing outdoor adventurous sports such as rock climbing and surfing, playing his guitar around a campfire, or just generally soaking up the amazing scenery Pembrokeshire has to offer.
Following four years with Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) as Business Development Manager and a period of joint Acting CEO, Jetske Germing has taken on the permanent role of Managing Director of PCF. Jetske brings extensive experience working within the Welsh sustainability sector over the last 15 years. She was part of the Future Generations Act's Stakeholder Reference Group through its design phase, is part of a range of Welsh marine policy groups and has worked across a number of areas including stakeholder engagement and community development, Open Government and on a range of topics such as renewable energy, SDG - sustainable development goals, social prescribing and sustainable tourism. As a keen outdoor enthusiast, Jetske moved to Pembrokeshire over two decades ago, and in her spare time can be found on the coast- walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, exploring the coastline in a kayak or sailboat, or surfing her favourite beaches.
John is a Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years' experience with leading consultancies, banks and advisory firms. He specialises in providing support for offshore renewable energy projects, and early stage technology companies. This includes work for the UK's first commercial scale tidal energy project, wave energy projects and several large (1 GW+) offshore windfarms. He has also worked on the Offshore Wind Accelerator programme identifying future improvements that could reduce the costs of marine energy. Among his other roles, he is a member of the ICAEW Strategy Board for Wales. John has strong family links with Pembrokeshire having been born and raised here.
Kath works for Atkins and has 20 years' experience in environmental management and assessment, specialising in marine, fisheries and coastal issues. Kath has managed and worked on coastal and maritime EIAs, policy reviews and coastal and marine planning projects in Wales, the UK and overseas. During her career, she has worked for large and small consultancies as a fisheries and marine consultant and for Tidal Lagoon Power on the development of the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. Kath worked on the development of the Marine and Coastal Access Act as part of a previous role in marine and coastal policy and legislation at the Welsh Government and has also worked in Assembly Parliamentary Service, gaining experience of policy and legislation from both sides - political and civil service. Kath loves the sea, the people that use it, the things that live in it and wants to make the way we manage and regulate it better in whatever she does. Kath joined as Director of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) to help support an organisation that does good things for marine and coastal management in Wales.
Job Titles:
- Sustainable Recreation Manager
Matt has worked in the adventurous activity and environmental education sectors of Pembrokeshire for well over 20 years. He studied Environmental Science at Bradford University and first came to Pembrokeshire as a placement student for the Field Studies Council. A training programme through the Prince's Trust opened the door to outdoor activity qualifications and leadership which enabled him to work for various providers around the county. He is now looking forward to continuing the sustainable recreation work of PCF. Matt can be found mountain biking and walking with family and friends in his spare time as well as trying to improve his knowledge of the flora and fauna of Pembrokeshire.
Matt moved to Pembrokeshire at the end of 2020 with his fiancée - a local to the county, and their two young children. Prior to relocating to West Wales, he was based in Bristol, working within account and partnership management. Matt has considerable experience engaging and managing relationships across a broad range of stakeholders, including both public and private sectors. Matt has a Ba(hons) in Music Industry Management and holds a Post Graduate Certificate (PGCE) in Primary Education. Matt joined the team in July 2021 taking on the Selkie Project Coordinator position. The Selkie project aims to develop the commercialisation pathway for the marine renewable energy industry in Ireland and Wales. He also supports the wider work of Marine Energy Wales. Outside of work, Matt enjoys surfing, cycling and exploring the scenic coastline with his family.
Before his election as Labour MP for Pembroke in 1992, Nick worked in Pembrokeshire's energy industry from 1973, initially as deputy operations manager of an offshore oil exploration base in Pembroke Dock, then later as a contractor on the Milford Haven oil terminals, berthing and connecting ships. A branch secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, he was elected to Dyfed County Council in 1981 and served until 1993. After Labour's victory in 1997, he was Parliamentary Private Secretary to three Welsh Secretaries until 2001 when he was appointed a Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury and government whip at the Wales Office and DEFRA, where he was responsible for the Commons stages of the Hunting with Dogs Act. After the 2005 election, he served as Minister at the Wales Office and piloted the Government of Wales Act through the Commons. In 1996 he won the BBC Environment Campaign of the Year Award for his fight to get an independent inquiry into the Sea Empress disaster. He left government in 2007 and served on the Treasury Select Committee until 2010, taking part in the major inquiries into the banking crisis. He now volunteers with the South and West Wales Wildlife Trust.
Paul joined PCF in 2013 and works across several projects including the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter, Pembrokeshire Marine Code, Wales Activity Mapping, and the Ecosystem Enterprise Partnership Ecobank as part of the Building Resilience in Catchments programme. He has a BSc degree in Park and Natural Resource Management and twenty years of experience working in and with the outdoor sector. His time at PCF has allowed him to develop a Coasteering Concordat between the National Trust and local adventure activity providers, a Recreational Audit for Disabled Access aimed at removing barriers to participation, a feasibility study investigating the potential for a nutrient trading scheme in the Milford Haven Catchment, and new ways to engage and promote the Pembrokeshire Marine Code including educational buoys and a digital app. Out of the office he enjoys surfing, kayaking, sailing, walking on the coast path, and just generally enjoying the beaches and wild places of Pembrokeshire. Paul volunteers as a regional representative for Surfers Against Sewage.
Job Titles:
- META Operations Manager
- META Project As Operations Manager
Saul joined the META Project as Operations Manager in 2020. Saul was previously Project Officer at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). In this role he brings EMEC expertise developing wave and tidal test sites to META and supports the following tasks: SOP development; Client Management; and Environment and Consents. Saul has worked in various practical roles related to the marine environment as a marine science research assistant and outdoor education facilitator. Saul has a Masters in Marine Renewable Energy. Through his MSc study in Orkney and especially working for EMEC Saul has gained a thorough understanding of the technical, operational, environmental and commercial aspects of marine renewable energy projects.
Job Titles:
- META Project Delivery Manager
After studying Marine Biology and Oceanography, Stephen went into the field of commercial marine aquaculture and has worked in fisheries and conservation for many years, seeing the interaction of rapidly developing offshore wind power generation with other activities. Stephen is experienced with stakeholder engagement across the spectrum and have always been driven by a commitment to true sustainability - ecological, social, economic and legislative.
Sue has 18 years' experience in the offshore wind, wave and tidal industries, including 11 years at OpenHydro, a tidal technology developer in senior management, project development, policy and developing marine energy markets. She supported the UK Government delivering the first offshore wind arrays including revision of primary legislation, administering regulatory controls and advised UK Ministers on the first marine energy projects. On the board of all three industry associations (RenewableUK, Scottish Renewables and Marine Energy Wales) and chair of the UK Marine Policy Forum & Council, Sue plays a key role in driving renewable industry policy in the marine area, in the UK and internationally.
Tim qualified as a Maths and Science teacher at St Lukes College, Exeter University. He then taught in Pembrokeshire secondary schools for over 10 years. Subsequently he ran the education programme for Eco Centre Wales, developing innovative resources on climate change and energy for learners of all ages. From 2013 he ran his own business focussed on education and energy. Tim joined the team in 2017 to deliver the Coastal Curriculum and to develop educational resources to support PCF projects. In his spare time Tim enjoys climbing, kayaking and spending time at the beach with his family.
Following a Master's degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Tom joined the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer Officer. Serving for 7 years, he gained extensive operational engineering experience around the globe and built up a broad range of project and operations management experience. Joining the team in August 22, Tom is excited about the opportunities presented by the Renewable Energy Sector and is looking forward to focussing his skills on helping to develop FLOW in the Celtic Sea.
Outside of work, Tom is a keen sailor, mountain biker and trail runner, and spends much of his time enjoying the amazing Pembrokeshire coastline.
Job Titles:
- Programme Manager - Marine Energy Wales
Tom grew up in Pembrokeshire and developed his career in the marine energy industry, from surveying through to project development with Wave Energy developer, Bombora. Tom joined the MEW team in 2021 as Project Delivery Manager for our Marine Energy Test Area (META), and in 2022 took on the role of Marine Energy Wales Programme Manager, overseeing a host of projects, collaborations and stakeholders to spearhead the development and deployment of marine renewable technology in Wales.
Job Titles:
- Coastal Stakeholder Manager
Tom has a degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Bangor University and more than twenty years of experience working on sustainable development initiatives with stakeholders around the Pembrokeshire coast and nationally in Wales. Tom started out with PCF in 2008 as the Activities Liaison Officer developing the Pembrokeshire Marine Code and Outdoor Charter projects and working on a broad range of events and conferences. Tom currently works on stakeholder engagement on renewable energy, climate change, Wild Seas Wales and on sustainable recreation projects. Out of the office Tom enjoys surfing, freediving, playing the piano and is a proud member of The Magic Circle.