This week's North East appointments

Margaret Anderson, Northumberland National Park Authority

Northumberland National Park Authority has appointed Margaret Anderson as head ranger.

Margaret has worked a number of roles at the National Park for 15 years, including administration, planning, and volunteer coordination, and has been a ranger since 2008.

Margaret grew up on a farm at the edge of the park and continues to live and farm in the community with her family.

In her new role, Margaret will be responsible for the management of the ranger team across the park, connecting and liaising with farmers, residents and the public, as well as ensuring rights of way and visitor sites are safe and accessible.

Additionally, Margaret will be supporting the implementation of sustainable land management methods across the park.

Margaret commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been given the job of head ranger. The park has been a huge part of me my whole life, and I am excited to take it into its next chapter.

“As part of the National Park community myself, I know how important our landscape is, and I look forward to helping ensure that is protected and conserved for generations to come.””

The news follows former head ranger Paget Lazzari announcing his retirement after 32 years with the National Park.

Margaret continued: “I would like to thank Paget for his mentorship and invaluable knowledge and support for me. He is leaving rather big shoes to fill!”

Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, added: “We are sad to say farewell to Paget, who has been a monumental figure and character for many in the park over the years. We all owe him a great deal, and I don’t think anyone could replace his knowledge and passion for the park.

“We are thrilled to welcome Margaret into the role of Head Ranger and we’re sure her energy, enthusiasm, and love of Northumberland National Park will be a great asset for the future of the park.”

David Alexander, Gateshead College

Gateshead College has appointed David Alexander as its new CEO/Principal.

David, who is currently vice principal at West College Scotland, will relocate to the North East to take up the post.

With 15 years’ experience at a senior level in further education, David’s career also spans roles across the public sector and board positions for the Scottish Funding Council, Victim Support Scotland and the General Teaching Council for Scotland amongst others. He is also a qualified accountant.

David commented: “I’m delighted to be joining Gateshead College and can see it’s a college working at the heart of its community providing the highest quality of education and training.

“Having the opportunity to meet students, staff and stakeholders as part of the interview process was great and gave me a real sense of the college’s culture and ethos so I knew it was a good fit.

“The college’s clear purpose to give students’ employment edge is something I’m passionate about and, with such strong progress made towards its financial recovery, I’m looking forward to working with the board, colleagues and partners to develop an ambitious plan for the future.”

Chair of the board, Sarah Stewart, added: “This is an exciting time in the development of Gateshead College. We have a financial recovery plan that is well on track and, having been through a rigorous process which confirmed we will remain a standalone college, I am delighted we now have our new CEO/Principal to lead us on the next stage of our journey.

“David brings a breadth of experience to the role with a strong background in college operations, finance and external partnerships but most importantly it was his commitment to putting students first and foremost, his understanding of what Gateshead College stands for and his vision for the future that made him the ideal candidate.”

Lauren Old and Tim Parker, DTW

Marketing and public relations agency DTW has made two new appointments to its team.

The Tees Valley agency has welcomed Lauren Old as public relations, engagement and public affairs strategist, and Tim Parker as animation and illustration creative.

Lauren brings seven years’ public relations experience from the travel, retail, hospitality and finance sectors, and has an MA in public relations from the University of Sunderland.

Tim, from Hull, has a BA (Hons) degree in film and TV production from Northumbria University and has been completing freelance animation projects for studios in Newcastle and Leeds.

Managing director Chris Taylor commented: “Like many businesses, when Covid hit last year we weren’t really sure how 2020 would unfold, but we worked hard to meet the challenges and the team has delivered incredibly well working from home.”

“We work with some excellent organisations as clients, who are negotiating their way through the pandemic well, and we’re extremely pleased to be working with some exciting new clients this year, too.

“We are delighted to have Lauren and Tim on board. They both bring great skills and experience to DTW, so I know they will be excellent additions to our talented team.”

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