Board Members

David Smith OBE

David was born in Tarleton, and after attending Hutton Grammar School, joined the Lancashire Constabulary as a Cadet in 1964. He gained a 1st Class B.A. Honours Degree in Social Studies at Liverpool University in 1981. After being Head of Training, in 1990, he took Command of Eastern Division. He was then appointed Assistant Chief Constable in Northumbria Police later returning to Lancashire where he became Acting Deputy Chief Constable.

He retired in December 1999, after 35 years’ service, and joined the Home Office, as Northwest Regional Director, working with Local Authorities, Police forces and other public and voluntary sector bodies. He retired in September 2006.

For over 20 years, he was actively involved with The Prince’s Trust.

He was awarded an O.B.E. in the 2005 New Year Honours List.

He has been a LANPAC Director since 2007, and in March 2018, became Chairman.

Wendy Walker QPM

Wendy was born and brought up in Clitheroe where she attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School. On leaving school, she attended Almemars Physical Education College, Liverpool, where she gained a Bachelor of Education Degree.

Wendy joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1981. She went on to serve across all parts of the county. During her career she was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in Organisational Management from the University of Manchester .

As Divisional Commander at Lancaster she was in charge of the cockle picking disaster. In 2005 she went on secondment to HMIC. Until her retirement in 2011, Wendy served the last 7 years as Assistant Chief Constable in command of various disciplines.

She was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2009 New Year Honours List. In 2010, due to her national work on Learning and Development, she became an Honorary Fellow of the University of Central Lancashire.

Since her retirement, she has undertaken charity work with Macmillan and The Prince’s Trust. She is an active member of St. Paul’s Church, Low Moor, Clitheroe.

Wendy has been involved with LANPAC since the late 1990’s.

Al Yusuf

Al, as LANPAC Manager, brings over three decades of experience with Lancashire Constabulary, encompassing various roles such as Crime Prevention and Exhibition Officer, Force Alarms Manager, and Business Development Officer. He has demonstrated proficiency in managing intruder alarm system policies, securing considerable funding from external organisations for projects, and fostering diversity and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, Al has collaborated closely with the Constabulary’s Diversity and Inclusion Department and played a pivotal role in founding the Lancashire Black Police Association. His expertise extends to supporting Senior Investigation Officers in major incidents, both domestically and internationally, reflecting his commitment to effective Constabulary practices.

Eddie Walsh MBE

Dr Allison Jones BSC (Hons) MSC PHD MRSC MCSFS FHEA

Alli has over 25 years’ experience in both the public and private Higher Education sectors, leading a wide range of areas including STEM, Policing, and Business.  She has held a wide range of posts from Lecturer to Chief Academic Officer and has provided HE leadership consultancy services to a range of FE and HE institutions both in the UK and overseas.

Alli has a track record for driving and leading innovation in higher education, particularly in Forensic Science, Policing and Emergency Management.  She has achieved this success through multi-agency partnership working whilst maintaining quality and standards and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality experience to all stakeholders.

Alli is a QAA reviewer and also serves as a governor at Myerscough College and a Director of SfJ Awards where she chairs their respective Quality and Standards Committees.

Katherine O’Connor MBE

Katherine is a proud Lancastrian and currently works for the Office for Local Government as Engagement Lead. 

Katherine has volunteered for Lancashire Police for over forty-five years, serving twenty-five years as a Special Constable working as a senior officer in recruitment and community safety initiatives before being invited to Chair a Police youth-based charity and become a Director of LANPAC.

Alongside her role in LANPAC, Katherine is a Trustee of North West Blood Bikes (Lancashire and Cumbria).  She has held positions for many years in a variety of voluntary activities, mainly involving young people.

Previous roles have included working for the government supporting Lancashire local authorities, companies and economic development.  Prior to this she worked for the London 2012 Olympic Games and in tourism and leisure across North West England at the NW Development Agency, as Deputy Head of Tourism at Blackpool Council and in the private sector for First Leisure Corporation.  She is proud of her work in promoting the North West and Lancashire through developing and achieving funding for many projects.

Roger Berry LLB (Hons)

Deputy Leader Wyre Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety.

Deputy Chair of the Police and Crime Panel for Lancashire.

Retired Solicitor having been in private practice on the Fylde Coast for over 40 years.

Ann Dean MBE DL

Ann is a Founder of Benetimo Health which started over 15 years ago to provide creative services to the healthcare sector. Director of Gutterking a family owned builders merchants’ group in Lancashire and Greater Manchester Also holds positions with TiE UK North a global entrepreneur network Manchester based. A past High Sheriff of Lancashire 2013-14 and Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire. Lancashire LEP non-executive director and Chair of Blackburn Cathedral Board of Trustees.

Russell Millhouse BA (Hons) MBA

Russ is the Head of External and Public Affairs at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). He has responsibility for the University’s senior interface, relationships and initiatives with key external stakeholders including Central Government, Members of Parliament, local authorities, and civic figures. He also oversees the University’s engagement with external awards, including National Honours and UCLan’s own extensive network of Honorary Fellows and Doctors.

Russ also supports and advises the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor on lobbying activities, strategic projects, and speechwriting.

Alongside his role at UCLan, Russ is a Trustee of Blackburn Cathedral and a Governor at Broad Oak Primary School, Penwortham.

Previously, Russ was Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor and a Public Orator at the University of Chester and before that, Governance Officer at Chester Cathedral. Russ holds an MBA and a BA(Hons) in Religious Studies.

Adrian French

A Mechanical Engineer by trade, Adrian began his youth work career in 1991 age 28 as a volunteer at Bolton Lads & Girls Club. He enjoyed the work so much he decided to complete his youth work training and 4 years. Later found himself at Bradford & Ilkely Youth & Community College studying for a degree in Youth Work.

While studying he secured a part time youth work position in Harrogate and once qualified secured a full time position with North Yorkshire County Council Youth Service, where  he progressed to become Youth Support Service Manager in the Harrogate District. Following 22 years. with NYCC, he moved to his current position of County Director of Lancashire Association of Boys & Girls Clubs. The availability of Youth clubs and services are critical for the personal development of disadvantaged young people, providing a place where vulnerable young people feel they belong and safe and able to access support on issues that affect their lives.

Andrew Snowden

Andrew was elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire in May 2021. He is responsible for setting policing priorities and budgets, holding the Constabulary to account for delivering against those priorities, along with commissioning other services such as victims’ support. He has set out a clear over-riding aim: To get tough on crime in Lancashire.

Andrew is also the national Lead Commissioner for Technology and Digital, working with the Home Office, National Police Chief’s Council, and others to improve policing through better use of technology, digital capabilities, and data. He is Chair of Council at the North West Cyber Resilience Centre, a Director of the Police Digital Service and sits on key national bodies such as the Public Safety Commissioning Board and the Strategic Change and Investment Board at the Home Office.

Andrew was previously a Lancashire County Councillor and Lead Member for Highways and Transport 2017-2021, where he led the multi-million investment in new and improved bus services across Lancashire, including securing significant additional government funding for Lancashire.

His professional career has spanned the public and private sectors – where he has held management and leadership roles in higher education and infrastructure services. Up until his election as PCC, Andrew was an Associate Director at the University of Salford, responsible for External Relations.

Dennis Mendoros OBE DL

Dennis is a qualified Aeronautical Engineer and businessman with over 45 years’ experience in the international aerospace industry.

In 1998, Dennis started own business, Euravia Engineering, that grew from a ‘one-man’ business to a successful international aerospace company and was bestowed the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

For over 30 years Dennis has, and continue to, lead and support several regional initiatives and partnerships between the private, public and voluntary sectors including armed services support organisations.

Following the formation of Euravia Engineering, Dennis made his home in Lancashire. His hobbies include flying, boating and diving. He also enjoys reading history and economic affairs.

Graham Gooch

Graham represents Lancashire County Council where is the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, a role he has held since 2017. He is also Chairman of Longton Parish Council, chairs 2 small charitable trusts and is a school governor.

He served for 30 years in the police service; 20 years in the Metropolitan Police and 10 years in the Lancashire Constabulary, mostly as a detective. On retiring in 2001 he became an academic, working with Dr Allison Jones and became a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Forensic & Investigative Sciences at UCLan. Whilst there he also reviewed legal textbooks for leading publishers and was engaged as a lexicographer by Oxford University Press to write a Dictionary of Law Enforcement. 

On leaving the university in 2011, he was engaged by the General Medical Council as a member of the Curriculum Advisory Group on post graduate medical education.

Phil Davidson BSc (Hons) MSc MAPM RPP

Phil graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology in 1985 graduating with a BSc Hons Degree in Metallurgy and has a master’s degree from University of Warwick.  Following graduation, Phil joined Royal Ordnance as a Graduate, moved into a leading FTSE 100 company based in the UK covering various roles, and is currently a Senior Executive at BAE Systems with responsibility for a wide range of activities.

Phil is a member of the Association of Project Manager (APM) and has been on the LANPAC board since 2018

Phil is married with 2 children and in his spare time enjoys Fly Fishing, Travelling, Gardening, and keeping horses

Suzana Sheldon- Edwards DL FCMI FRSA

For over 30 years, Suzana Sheldon-Edwards has been an outstanding contributor to Business, Tourism, Entrepreneurship, and relentless Charity works in the Uk and Internationally.

Suzana’s entrepreneurship, commercial vision, and her determination to pursue her ambitions in business have been recognised with a total of 19 national awards including Entrepreneur of the Year (twice) and two Business Woman of the Year awards. Other plaudits included Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Granada TV Young Entrepreneur and Yorkshire TV Young Entrepreneur, NatWest Business Woman of the Year, Lloyds Business Woman of the Year and Business Woman of the 90s.

An interest and commitment to mental health services. 

Honorary Fellow University of Central Lancashire.       
Honorary Fellow Blackburn University College.                          
Prolific fundraiser for The Prince’s Trust. 
Fellow of Royal Society of Arts RSA.                                 
Vice President of SSAFA Lancashire.     
Appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire in 2014.   
Judge, National Inspirational Women’s Awards, London.

Sacha Hatchett

Sacha joined the police service in February 1997 and has worked within a variety of different roles across North Wales Police, Cheshire and now Lancashire Constabulary.

As Assistant Chief Constable in North Wales Sacha had responsibility for Local Policing, Crime and Specialist Ops.

Sacha took up the position of Deputy Chief Constable at Lancashire Constabulary in September 2021. The three Assistant Chief Constables and the Chief Operating Officer reported to her as the Deputy Chief Constable. Sacha also had responsibility for the Professional Standards Department, Corporate Development and Legal Services.

In September 2022, Sacha took responsibility as the NPCC lead for Serious Violence Reduction and Public Health Approaches in Policing.

Following the retirement of predecessor Chris Rowley, Sacha successfully passed the Chief Constable recruitment process and in March 2024 Sacha was confirmed as the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary. 

Matt Hamer

Currently the Area Manger Head of Prevention and Protection at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) Matt is responsible for the delivery of the Counties fire safety regulatory activity ensuring circa 65k commercial premise comply with legislation. Additionally, Matt directs the services prevention offerings across Lancashire’s diverse population of c1.5 million residents and education establishments. Matt has overseen several significant changes during his time with LFRS, most notably he was responsible for ensuring all emergency incident commanders are accredited along with overseeing the introduction of new fire safety legislation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

In addition to LANPAC, Matt is an active member of the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership along with other strategic boards across Youth Justice and Community Safety. Matt also remains an active incident commander, responding to significant incidents.

Andrea Challis DL

Andrea from Staining, near Blackpool, is joint owner and CEO of The Partington Group, a family run group of companies which operate holiday home parks in north west of England.

Andrea is also a Director on the Board of Marketing Lancashire, is a member of the Blackpool Business Leaders Recovery Group and is on the Board of Blackpool and the Fylde College.

Married to Martin and with two children, in her spare time Andrea volunteers at Blackpool’s Trinity Hospice and is also a keen supporter of other local charities.

Jon Doyle

Jon is the founder and senior financial planner at Juniper Wealth Management, a firm that helps families and businesses with proactive and holistic financial, tax, and estate planning. With 15 years’ experience advising business, individuals, and charities across Lancashire on strategic and investment planning needs Jon founded Juniper in 2018.  In addition to Juniper Jon has interests in other businesses, is a committee member at Preston Swimming Club and has previously served on Charity boards meaning Jon brings breadth of experience to his role as a Friend of the Board with Lanpac. Outside of work Jon is married to Morgana, has two teenage daughters and enjoys running with his 2-year-old Spaniel, Penny.

Jo Oliver

A native of Northumberland, Jo has now made her home in Lancashire.  Her career has primarily been within the Agricultural sector working within global supply chains and from farm to fork commercial enterprises. 

As Managing Partner for NFU Mutual in Central Lancashire she has been the driving force behind the growth of the multi award winning agency over the preceding 10 years and previously performed a similar function for 10 years based in the beautiful city of Bath.

In addition, her role also extends to represent over 500 farming businesses via the ‘National Farmers Union of England & Wales’ who’s purpose is to ensure a stable and sustainable future for British Farmers and protect and promote the industry.

Jo is also Mentor and Director of a number of start-up companies

David Taylor CBE DL

David is currently the High Sheriff of Lancashire 23/24 and in that capacity, he attends the LANPAC Board.  David graduated as an architect/planner and has spent much of his career working on significant regeneration projects.  He has helped to build a number of significant businesses and has held senior roles in the public and private sectors. Until recently he chaired the board at UCLan and is currently chairman of Kirkham Prisons Employment Advisory Board.