Our Board and Senior Leadership
Wessex RFCA Board
The Wessex RFCA Board is made up of elected members from within the Association and is responsible for overseeing its effective operation. The Board meets three times a year, and additionally as needed, to guide and support the work of the Association. Its membership includes:
Air Commodore John Bessell DL
Non-Executive Advisor
Colonel Matt Palmer
Commander JMC South West
Major Robert Wharton TD* VR
Strategy Committee Chair
Brigadier Steve Rayson QVRM TDVR
Reserves Committee Chair
Major General Bill O’Leary VRSM TD DL
Engagement Committee Chair
Captain Sue Jameson RD RNR
Vice-Chair Naval
Air Commodore Polly Miller-Perkins CBE MA FCILT FCMI
Senior RAF OfficerColonel Matt Palmer
Vice-Chair Land
Commodore Tristram Kirkwood OBE ADC
Naval Regional CommanderCounty Representatives
County Representatives are key ambassadors for Wessex RFCA, strengthening links between the Armed Forces, local communities, employers and civic leaders. Through advocacy and engagement at county level, they promote the value of Reserves and Cadets and help sustain strong, well supported Defence relationships across the region.
Air Commodore John Bessell DL
CornwallGapped
GuernseyMr Danny Wright
Jersey
Major Rob Atchison
Wiltshire
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Shelford
Somerset
Colonel Jane Thompson TD DL
The City and Council of Bristol
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Penhale
Gloucestershire
Colonel Viliame Nanovo
Dorset
Colonel John Cummings TD VR
DevonSenior Leadership Team
Wessex RFCA’s day-to-day operations are managed from its headquarters in Taunton. The Chief Executive, supported by the Deputy Chief Executive, leads a committed team of Crown Servants who deliver the Association’s core activities. The current Senior Leadership Team includes:
Nev Holmes
Chief Executive
Hannah Owen
Deputy Chief Executive
Rachael Brannagan
Head of Engagement
Nasir Bhadal
Head of Finance and Business Support