Meet the Board
Board of Management
Ann joined the Board in 2021 after having recently retired as Director of Children’s Services for a Welsh Local Authority. She has extensive experience of working within Local Government, specifically the Social Care Sector and through this developed an interest in the housing sector, particularly in sustainable tenancy. On retirement, Ann was keen to use her knowledge and skills to help the communities in which she had lived and was eager to take up the opportunity to join the board at Merthyr Housing Association.
One of Ann’s passions is ensuring that the voice of the service user/tenant continues to be listened to and is influential in the development and purpose of the Association.
Ian has 20 years’ experience within the social housing sector although currently employed in the purpose built student accommodation sector with Host (Victoria Hall Management Limited) as South West Regional Manager. Previous employment and working experience with housing associations has included roles in governance, asset management, housing management, development, and community regeneration & engagement.
A previous Chair of the Board of Management Committee, Ian’s extensive and broad knowledge has enabled him to support the Board at both operational and strategic levels. Ian shares the values and philosophy of the organisation and was attracted to the role as he is aware of the positive impact MTHA has on both its tenants and the wider community.
Oonagh has worked in Housing for 25 years. She began her career working for Wales and West Housing Association and then moved to Linc Cymru before relocating to London. There she worked for Hyde Housing Association and managed different area offices in Bromley, Peckham and Lewisham and was involved in a number of major regeneration projects and different housing initiatives for homeless families, rough sleepers and key workers as well as general needs and supported housing developments. More recently Oonagh worked in Bristol as Neighbourhood Services Manager for Merlin Housing Society, now part of the Bromford Group. Oonagh joined Newydd in 2018 and was Head of Housing before recently being appointed as Director of Housing.
Oonagh Lyons BA (Hons) PG DIP CIHCM, PGCE(FE)
Gary has lived in Merthyr all of his live and has a good understanding of the challenges facing the area and its people. He works in housing development for another social housing provider and brings that specialist knowledge to the Board. He has extensive experience of working with tenants and has been a tenant participation champion in a previous role. Gary joined the Board in 2020.
Janet is an experienced housing professional, having worked in the sector for over 30 years before retiring in 2022. She has been a Director of two community based
housing associations in South Wales. She has a strong knowledge of asset management, development, housing management, supported housing and community development. She supports our ambition to grow, improve and maintain services and reduce our carbon emissions. Janet wants to be part of MTHA’s future and joined the Board in September 2022.
Jo has worked in the housing sector for 20 years, and is an experienced governance professional. She has a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience of social housing in Wales. Within her current role, she is responsible for governance, health and safety, insurance and fleet, ensuring all activities conform to legislation and regulation. Jo joined the Board in September 2022 and is keen to use her skills and experience to bring appropriate scrutiny to board decision making.
Kellie joined the Board in September 2022. She wanted to join the Board as she has a well-rounded skillset gained through her accountancy qualifications and MBA and has a passion for supporting local communities. She has lived in social housing and is keen to use her skills to help others.
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