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We 're delighted to welcome Lynda Sagona as our new board chair to support the delivery of our long-term strategy.

Our previous chair, Nicola Somerville, retired from the role after five years at the conclusion of our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 28 September and was succeeded by incoming chair Lynda.


Join CEO Ceri Doyle, incoming chair Lynda Sagona and outgoing chair Nicola Somerville as they discuss the role of the board and how NCH is adapting to the challenges we're facing in our round table.

Previously Chief Executive and Director of Housing & Communities at United Welsh, Lynda is a Chartered Surveyor and maintains an active role with RICS Wales, developing her career with the Welsh Development Agency as a Senior Asset Manager.

Following the merger of the Welsh Development Agency into the Welsh Government, Lynda worked within the Value Wales team as Head of Schools Capital Projects and Principal Estates Surveyor. Her role included working with local authorities and other public bodies to identify and release land for the delivery of affordable housing and encourage the collaborative procurement of capital projects.

Chief Executive Ceri Doyle (left), outgoing chair Nic Somerville (centre) and incoming board chair Lynda Sagona (right)

A further four board members were also appointed at the AGM.

Dr. Jenifer Baxter
Jenifer has over 25 years of experience as a qualified engineer specialising in environmental sustainability.  A Director of Engineering & Head of Protium Wales, Jenifer delivers environmental-led developments to reduce industrial carbon emissions and is also a NED for Industry Wales, and Deputy Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales.   

Dale Walker
With 15 years’ experience in programme delivery and as a senior manager within the IT, OT and project portfolios, Dale is currently Head of Smart Operational Technology (OT) at Welsh Water and has experience in driving benefits across digital transformation, cultural change and cyber security.    

Sarah Ann Croft
Refugee Advocacy Manager at The Sanctuary Projects, Sarah works with refugees in Newport to help build communities, social activities and provide aid for support services and education. 

Andrew Gregory
Director of Planning Transport and Environment at Cardiff City Council since 2013, Andrew has worked in some of the most socially deprived and challenging urban areas in the UK. 


At the AGM, we also said goodbye to board members Robiu Salisu, Anne Wildeman and Samantha Williams following completion of their term as co-optees, and we’d like to thank them for their invaluable support during their term of office.

Our refreshed board members include:

The refreshed board will hold collective accountability for strategy, performance and risk management, with a focus on delivering our 2025 Strategy, designed around the needs of customers, communities and colleagues.

The board will also support our Executive team in delivering our three strategic commitments: environmental sustainability, growth, and equality, diversity and inclusion.

“Lynda and our additional new board members all bring a wealth of experience to the chair role at an incredibly important time for us as an association,” explains Chief Executive Ceri Doyle.

“The impact of our wider environment on the communities we work in is becoming ever more apparent, and their collective skills will be critical in helping us meet the challenges we face.

“From the continuing impact of the pandemic and Brexit to the energy price cap and the cost-of-living increase, we have a responsibility to support our communities whilst continuing to deliver essential services for our customers and tackling the Welsh housing crisis through our ambitious regeneration and development programme. Our long-term strategic plans are substantial, and Lynda will play an important role in holding us to account to make sure we deliver.

“I’d like to thank Nic Somerville for the fantastic contribution she has made to NCH over the last nine years, four as a board member and five as our chair. Nic leaves a legacy behind her, and whilst Lynda undoubtedly has large shoes to fill, I’m more than confident that she’ll be up to the job.”

Incoming board chair Lynda Sagona said:

“This is an exciting and challenging time for NCH, and I’m pleased to accept the board role to deliver assurance and accountability over my term as chair for our customers, communities and colleagues.

“I hope that the new perspective I bring to the role will be valuable to the association and that our communities will see the benefit of that over time.”

Outgoing chair Nicola Somerville added:

“The last nine years have seen a significant shift in how NCH works, and I’m so proud to have played a part in their journey so far. We know that we still have work to do, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the association progress with Lynda in the chair’s role.”