Bwrdd yr Ymddiriedolwyr

Ali Ussery 

Ali has been active in the North Wales community for many years and is a former employee of CVSC, having worked on various specific projects such as Dewis Wales, advocacy and social prescribing projects.  

Ali holds a BA in Community Education and Development and an MSc in Advanced Professional Studies in community work.  She has over 35 years of experience in international development work in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe; in aid work in Romania in the 1990s, in education, reconciliation and leadership development in the Balkans and supporting initiatives with national workers.  

Over the past 12 years Ali has focused on the issues of justice and particularly prevention, raising awareness and policy development in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery. Haven of Light CIC is the charitable organisation set up by Ali and team with a local focus for North Wales dealing with all aspects of tackling exploitation.

Brian Watson

Brian brings a wealth of experience in Community Development and Youth Work, having worked across both the charity and statutory sectors. Before joining the MS Society as Community Development Officer for Wales, he led intercity projects in Manchester and Wigan focused on substance misuse and gang violence. His career includes roles in community engagement with Voluntary Councils in England, leadership within the Communities First Programme in Wales, and 13 years of management responsibility for statutory Youth Services in Conwy.

Community activity across all age groups has always been central to Brian’s work. At MS Cymru, he supports volunteers across Wales, helping to co-produce projects that respond to local needs.

As a Trustee, Brian contributes strategic and operational expertise, along with a strong track record of partnership working under pressure. He is proud to be part of the CVSC team and is committed to supporting both the organisation and the communities of Conwy. Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time in the mountains, climbing and biking now that his children are grown.

James Garnett

James joined the CVSC board in June 2025 after moving to the area in August 2024 to serve as a minister in the Methodist Church. Previously based in Aberdeen, he was vice-chair of Aberdeen Citizens Advice and trained as an Advisor with Citizens Advice in Oxfordshire.

Before entering ministry, James was a secondary school music teacher and later trained music teachers at the University of Reading. He has served on the boards of several music education charities and worked as a school governor. He also brings financial expertise to the board, having worked in the pensions industry prior to his teaching career.

James is enthusiastic about contributing his governance experience to CVSC. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys writing and playing music and visiting his children and grandchildren across Wales and England.

Joanna Tann - Chair

Joanna has served as a Trustee of CVSC for eight years and became Chair in November 2024. Her professional background is in Human Resources, and prior to retirement she spent 17 years developing and managing volunteer programmes—first with Betsi Cadwaladr University NHS Trust and later with Blind Veterans UK. Her work across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and local communities gave her deep insight into best practices in volunteer recruitment, development, and retention.

Joanna brings strategic and operational experience to the board and is passionate about promoting high standards in volunteer engagement. She finds great reward in supporting community groups through CVSC’s financial aid and guidance services.

An active volunteer herself, Joanna enjoys Nordic walking, playing tennis, and spending time with her granddaughter.

Maggie Kelly

Originally from Ireland, Maggie has lived in Conwy county since 1982. She first became involved in the voluntary sector when her children were young, volunteering in playgroups and later training as a playgroup assistant. She went on to work for Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association (now Early Years Wales) from 1999 to 2024, supporting pre-school settings across Conwy and beyond.

Over 25 years, Maggie developed extensive knowledge of the Early Years and Childcare sector in Wales, including governance, budgeting, grant funding, safeguarding, and curriculum development. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Childhood Studies and an ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management.

Maggie has been a Trustee of CVSC for over 20 years and is proud to contribute to the organisation’s development and its support for Conwy’s diverse third sector.

Mike Priestley JP

Mike has been a Trustee of CVSC since 2018. He is a local lad, born and bred in Llandudno Junction. He joined Royal Mail at the age of 16 as a young postman in Conwy and over 22 years worked his way into management, taking early retirement from Royal Mail Delivery Office Manager in Colwyn Bay.

He was elected as County Councillor in 2004 and represents the Glyn Y Marl Ward, and during this time he has held a number of cabinet positions and has chaired two committees.

Mike is passionate in supporting the community, especially those who volunteer to improve communities, the environment and wellbeing. Mike is committed to CVSC and the great work it does in assisting the third sector. 

Mike enjoys walking Honey the dog and spending time with his family especially the new addition, his granddaughter Primrose.