About the Neighbourhood Board
David Creasey, Independent Chair
I am the Independent Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. I have more than 30 years' experience working across community, voluntary and statutory sectors, with a strong focus on supporting vulnerable people and developing community-led solutions.
For more than 20 years, I have worked in and around Shepway, Park Wood and Mangravet through my role at The Vine Church, helping to establish initiatives including a foodbank, community café and support services shaped by residents. My career has also included senior roles within Kent Probation Service, as well as experience in mental health, social care, governance and education.
I joined the Board because I believe local people should be at the heart of decisions about their community, and I want to help ensure this funding delivers lasting benefits for residents.
Chloe Hubbard
I live in Park Wood and work for Fusion Maidstone as Head of Events and Marketing. Since joining the charity in 2022, I have built a strong understanding of the needs and aspirations of local communities through my work in community engagement, events and communications.
I am passionate about creating opportunities that are shaped by local people and believe the best projects start by listening to residents.
I joined the Board to help ensure community voices are heard and reflected in projects that make a real difference to local people.
Emma Tanner
I am the Founder and Chief Executive of The Princess Project, a charity that supports mothers and families across Kent. The charity was established in the Pride in Place area more than 13 years ago and remains closely connected to the local community.
I have experience developing services, managing budgets, building teams, and turning ideas into sustainable projects that support families.
I joined the Board because I am passionate about ensuring every voice is heard and that local residents help shape the future of their community.
Gary Cook
I am the Headteacher of New Line Learning Academy and have extensive experience in education, leadership and supporting young people and families.
Through my role, I work closely with communities across Shepway, Park Wood and Mangravet and understand both the strengths of the area and the challenges facing some local families.
I joined the Board to help ensure that the voices of children, young people and families influence decisions about the future of their community.
Genette Pinwill
I am the Executive Director of Customer Experience at Golding Homes, a housing association providing homes and services to more than 20,000 customers.
I have more than 20 years of experience working in housing, regeneration and local government, with a particular focus on community engagement, neighbourhood services and improving places for residents.
I joined the Board because I believe this investment presents a valuable opportunity to create lasting positive change and strengthen local communities.
Leon Mileham
I am Pastor of Connect Church in Senacre and have lived in the area for more than 20 years. I have spent much of my career supporting individuals and families through community initiatives, pastoral care, and voluntary work.
Alongside my church role, I have served as a school governor and Chair of Trustees for The Princess Project.
I joined the Board because I want to help local people thrive and contribute towards creating opportunities for future generations.
Matt Arnold
I am a Land and Development Director at Skillcrown Homes and a Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Town Planner with more than 19 years' experience in housing, planning and regeneration.
I have a strong connection to Maidstone through development projects across the borough, including regeneration work in Shepway.
I joined the Board because I want to use my professional experience to support positive, long-term improvements that reflect the priorities of local residents.
Kandeeban Thanabalan
I am proud to represent Mangravet on the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board and am passionate about helping to create a stronger, more connected community.
I believe the best outcomes come from listening to local people and working together with residents, community groups and partner organisations.
I joined the Board to help ensure local voices are heard and to support positive, lasting improvements for current and future generations.
Sherry Johnson
I have lived in Park Wood for more than 20 years and raised my family here. I am actively involved in the community and currently volunteer with Fusion Maidstone, supporting local activities and the Bread and Butter Thing food hub.
I care deeply about the area and want to help challenge negative perceptions by highlighting its strengths and the people who make it a great place to live.
I joined the Board because I want local residents to have a voice and help shape a better future for the community.
Stacy Turner
I have lived in Shepway and Senacre since 2014 and have strong personal and professional connections to the area. I am a local business owner, school governor and Adult Nursing student.
Through my work and studies, I have developed strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, as well as a passion for supporting people's wellbeing.
I joined the Board because I want to help shape the future of the community and make sure residents benefit from this investment for years to come.
Cllr Maureen Cleator
I have lived in Maidstone for more than 40 years and am a Borough Councillor representing Shepway. Before retiring, I worked in mental health social care for Kent County Council, supporting residents across Shepway, Park Wood, Mangravet and Senacre.
My career has included roles within local government, the NHS and the voluntary sector, giving me a broad understanding of community needs and public services.
I joined the Board to represent residents and help ensure investment delivers positive, long-term outcomes for the area.
Linden Kemkaran
I am Leader of Kent County Council and County Councillor for Maidstone South East. My professional background includes journalism, communications, public affairs and local government.
Throughout my career I have worked across the media, higher education, Parliament and public sector organisations, developing strong experience in leadership, communications and community engagement.
I joined the Board because I want to support residents in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods and help make the most of this significant investment.
Helen Whately MP
I am the Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid Kent and have a professional background in business, healthcare and public service.
Before entering Parliament, I worked in finance, the media and technology sector, and healthcare consultancy, helping organisations improve services and outcomes. I have also volunteered in the community and served as a school governor.
I joined the Board because I want to support local priorities and help ensure communities have a strong voice in shaping their future.