HERTSAVERS - Key Persons
I grew up in Hatfield and have lived there for over 45 years. I worked in banking, technology and am currently in manufacturing. I have been involved with Hertsavers for over 15 years, since the early days of Hatfield Credit Union. The decade I spent in banking left me with an interest in alternative ways of providing financial services. In particular, I believe the co-operative model of Credit Unions can offer a fairer, more mutually-beneficial way of dealing with money matters.
Helen is passionate about science and leadership. She holds a global line management and operational leadership position in a large multinational pharmaceutical company. She has a PhD in Genetics and did her postdoctoral studies at a US government institution. It was there she was first introduced to the credit union movement. She served as a board member for the visiting scientists (in the USA) and she is very excited about the opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of the HertSavers Credit Union.
Fiona has lived in Hertfordshire for most of her life. She has been involved in running credit unions for around 20 years, first with Stevenage Credit Union where she undertook roles as Treasurer, then Internal Audit and for the last 6 years with Hertsavers. Fiona currently works as a Community Engagement Officer for a local housing provider, a role in which she has 15 years of experience. She also sits as a tenant representative on the Housing Management Board of Stevenage Borough Council.
After 30 years working in senior roles at Hertfordshire County Council in Planning, Finance and Policy Making George retired early and moved into arts management becoming volunteer chief administrator for Digswell Arts Trust. After nearly 20 years he retired again but got bored so he now works for Family Lives as a call taker on Fridays and is also filling his time as a board member with HertSavers. He is currently working to update the HertSavers website to make it more user friendly and coincide with websites of other CUS clients.
Job Titles:
- Credit Union Solutions Representative on the Board
John is 64 and came to the area 10 years ago when he married Margaret. He has four adult children, one of whom lives locally with her family. After graduating in Economics at Portsmouth Polytechnic (now University) he studied accountancy, working for companies in the leisure and advertising industries, then with a large trading firm before joining international mining company Rio Tinto in London. He became an accounts manager there after experience in corporate treasury accounts. Since he retired in 2014 he has become Treasurer of A Rocha UK, a conservation charity. He became a member in 2008
I am an HR professional and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development.
I have over 15 years of HR experience in private, public and charity organisations. Being an active member of Hertsavers Credit Union for more than seven years has provided me with financial options to help achieve my personal goals.
I continue to champion ethical ways of saving and supporting local communities to improve social mobility. This being my first opportunity to support the Hertsavers Credit Union as a Board member I am looking forward to being part of their future.
I was an early supporter of the principal of credit unions and I have been a board member for 12 years.
I live in Welwyn Garden City with my husband Alan. We have a grown up son and daughter and four grandchildren aged 9, 7, 5 and 2.
I have worked in the community most of my working life which is where I realised the importance of credit unions.
I am now semi retired and run Pomegranate Community Cafe in Welwyn Garden City where Hertsavers have an information point on a Monday from 1-3.