Dr Simon Dancey, Chair

Simon has recently been appointed the Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University for the Creative Arts. The focus of his work has always centred on developing research, policy and programmes designed to improve the lives of young people in some of the most marginalised contexts. He is the former CEO of Creative & Cultural Skills, the UK Skills Council for the cultural sector and was previously Global Director for Cultural Skills and Research at the British Council. Originally from Barry, Simon has three daughters and is a trustee of Careers Wales and a former trustee of the Arts Council of Wales and former Director of Community Music Wales.

Simon has worked in the cultural sector for over twenty five years, initially as a professional musician, promoter and community activist and subsequently at the highest levels of leadership and governance, as a CEO and research academic. He brings an extensive background in strategic leadership, management and assuring the impact and financial performance of charities and companies, alongside a passionate commitment to social justice and to Wales. Simon has a PhD in International Policy, exploring the role of culture for social and economic transformation in the UK, Brazil and Colombia. He has worked as a cultural policy advisor to culture ministries around the globe, from Canada to Myanmar; Bangladesh to Singapore, with a focus on employability skills, internationalism and conflict resolution.

Caroline Thompson, Head of Partnerships, Alacrity Foundation

As Head of Partnerships for the Alacrity Foundation (UK) Caroline is responsible for developing strategic relationships with key stakeholders and forging new cross-sector partnerships that enhance the Alacrity profile and programme offering.

Prior to taking up her position with the Alacrity Foundation, Caroline was CEO of Be The Spark, a movement in Wales designed to bring together innovation and entrepreneurship in a more visible, simple, connected way. The movement was born from Wales participating in the globally renowned REAP in MIT, Boston, MA.

Caroline’s passion for supporting entrepreneurship stemmed from leading the Entrepreneurial Spark accelerator hubs for NatWest in Bristol and Cardiff which was a move away from her traditional banking career that spanned 30 years.

Jonas Fathy, Project Manager, Pilotlight

Jonas's passion is working with individuals and small groups, giving them the tools and structures, they need to overcome the barriers they face. Since June 2018, he lives this purpose as Project Manager for Pilotlight where he supports senior leaders of not-for-profit organisations to increase the effectiveness of their organisations. Originally from Germany, he grew up in the performing arts sector, studying arts and not-for-profit management and working at one of Germany's largest theatres for a while. He also worked as a freelance performance artist, combining circus arts, fire and dance. 

Jonas specialises in people development, strategy and governance. To date, he's worked with over 30 social impact organisations and over 125 senior leaders of various sectors to help charities help more people more effectively. He is also currently studying the psychology of work through an MSc, teaching traditional Japanese martial arts, and chairing a small pan-European, volunteer-run circus arts association.

Dave Morgan, Director Spindogs

Dave has been instrumental in helping Rubicon Dance articulate a new marketing strategy and outside of board meetings has supported senior staff in its implementation.

Gemma Barnett, Operations Manager, Blake Morgan

Gemma runs Cardiff Breakfast Club and has introduced Rubicon to many of the opinion formers and businesses that attend which has been especially useful for our capital fundraising campaign. Gemma is also leading on the business change aspects of Rubicon's strategy and her experience of mergers and acquisitions is proving to be invaluable.

Sheli Miller, International Pricing Manager, Admiral Plc

Recently Sheli lead our Institute of Fundraising project on behalf of the board to help us define our Fundraising Strategy and met with our fundraising consultants and has helped us translate this strategy into a credible plan.

Paul Whittaker, Artist, Writer, Filmmaker

As well as working with many clients including Rubicon Dance, Arts Council Wales, Sherman Cymru, Channel 4, Public Health Wales and the Old Vic, Paul creates his own work. He recently wrote and directed his autobiographical play - Gods & Kings – to critical acclaim and had his first solo art exhibition at the Hearth Gallery - miscellaneous RULES.

Matt Williams

Matt is an experienced policy and government affairs professional with extensive experience of lobbying all levels of Government in Wales. He has a track record of delivering policy and legislative change in a variety of sectors, from environment and planning, to economic development. Outside of work he is a keen cyclist and past chair of Wales’ largest cycling club, Cardiff Ajax CC – managing a team of volunteers delivering a programme of sport across the city and South Wales.