Members & Trustees

Four Hills Education Trust

Companies House Registration Number 16379445

Tricia Gurney – CFOO

Tricia Gurney is an accomplished and highly experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with over fifteen years of dedicated financial and operational leadership in the education sector. Committed to supporting educational outcomes, she brings extensive expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and operational oversight.

Tricia has a proven track record of financial stewardship, ensuring effective resource allocation to maximise impact on pupils’ learning while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Her leadership is grounded in strong ethical principles, emphasising integrity, transparency, and fairness in all financial operations. As a collaborative leader with extensive operational acumen, she drives efficiency and effectiveness across the trust by managing critical school functions, including HR, procurement, contracts, and compliance. She is also a dedicated mentor, actively empowering Business Managers and fostering positive, diverse teams through her commitment to continuous professional development

Ann Lombardi – Member and Chair of Trustees

Ann’s a highly accomplished educational leader whose expertise spans both primary and secondary school leadership, including two successful headships and co-founding a Multi-Academy Company.

Ann’s core strength is financial turnaround, demonstrated by successfully resolving significant deficit budgets while maintaining high educational standards. This proven financial acumen, coupled with deep operational oversight (including an external catering business), ensures responsible resource management. Ann also possesses highly praised governance experience as a former Chair of Governors, leading a school through a positive Ofsted inspection.

Ready to integrate into the MAT structure, Ann is passionate about school improvement and educational equity. Her collaborative leadership focuses on empowering staff and leveraging diverse skills (such as inspiring teams through music leadership) to achieve a shared vision. Ann is confident in becoming an impactful and valuable member of the Four Hills Education Trust.

 

Ann.Lombardi@fourhillseducationtrust.org.uk

Alex Pearce – Chair of Members

Alex Pearce is a highly experienced EdTech Strategist and Member, drawing on 20+ years of leadership in education technology.

His deep technical expertise is the cornerstone of his support for the Trust, cantered on Microsoft Cloud and collaboration tools. Alex has a proven track record of developing innovative, scalable strategies that directly improve educational outcomes and maximise technology investments, uniquely positioning him to drive the Trust’s forward-thinking environment.

,As a Member, Alex will leverage this experience to support a comprehensive technology roadmap and data-driven decision-making, ensuring all solutions empower staff and learners and align with the “Locally Rooted, Globally Inspired” ethos.

Shane Lunnon – Member

Shane joins Four Hills Education Trust, bringing a sharp analytical mindset and extensive experience from a successful career in financial services. His skills in strategic planning, financial management, attention to detail, and deeply understanding complex individual needs are directly transferable and will be a significant asset to the Trust’s finance and governance.

Motivated by the lasting impact of his own inspiring teachers, Shane is drawn to the Trust’s vision and pupil/community-centric approach that rejects a “one-size-fits-all” model. He highly values the Trust’s commitment to individualised learning and its dedication to inclusive learning through specialised support services and SEND Hubs.

Shane is eager to contribute his expertise in communication, problem-solving, and relationship building to support the Trust’s mission of transforming education. He will work alongside fellow Members and Trustees to ensure a learning environment where every student is valued, supported, and inspired to reach their highest potential.

Tracey Croft – Member

Tracey is the Director of Human Resources at Runshaw College, a thriving further education institution with over 5,000 learners. With twelve years on the senior management team, she provides strategic HR and CPD leadership focused on building a culture that supports both a ‘great place to study’ and a ‘great place to work’.

Tracey is an expert in complex restructuring, TUPE transfers, and has successfully implemented a new teaching pay framework to close the national pay gap. She advises Governors and senior managers on all HR matters and is committed to quality and inclusion, evidenced by her work in securing recognition as a Disability Confident Employer and a Mindful Employer.

She holds a Level 7 CIPD qualification and is deeply involved in safeguarding, ensuring robust employment checks and compliance with all statutory duties. Her extensive experience in strategic people development will be a significant asset to Four Hills Education Trust.

Michael Scott - Member

Michael is a highly accomplished educational leader who joins the Trust as a Director of Education for a North-West multi-academy trust, specialising in improving educational provision in disadvantaged areas. He spent seven years as the Head/Executive Head of the top-performing Newport Girls’ High School Academy Trust, achieving two ‘Outstanding’ judgments.

With 20 years of experience, Michael brings unparalleled insight as an active Lead and Team Ofsted Inspector and serves the DfE as both a Flexible Working Ambassador and a Curriculum expert. He is a staunch advocate for high standards and social mobility, committed to maximising Pupil Premium funding and enriching arts experiences for all children. His expertise in strategic leadership and quality assurance will be a significant asset to the Trust.

Kirsty Osman – Trustee

Kirsty Osman is a passionate and collaborative leader with over eleven years of senior leadership experience as Headteacher and Executive Leader. She is dedicated to educational equity and has a proven track record in strategic planning, quality assurance, and nurturing talent. Kirsty’s leadership is values-driven, solution-focused, and committed to building a network of schools that excel and offer opportunity for all. She has achieved the NPQEL qualification and brings expertise in HR, health & safety, and staff development, with a strong moral compass and commitment to stakeholder engagement.

Andy Baker – Trustee

Andy is an experienced site surveyor with a background in local authority work, bringing a practical skillset that supports Four Hills Education Trust’s mission. As the first point of contact for building-related matters, he ensures school environments are safe, accessible, and inclusive.

His work reflects the Trust’s values of Equity, Respect, and Inclusion, with a focus on improving accessibility and supporting diverse pupil needs. Andy manages key safety areas including asbestos, fire safety, and legionella, and is skilled in project management under CDM regulations.

Passionate about education, Andy understands how well-designed spaces can inspire learning and help children thrive. His dedication and expertise make him a valuable contributor to the Trust’s vision.

Gary Wort – Trustee

Gary is a Licensed Conveyancer and Legal Director with 14 years of experience in residential conveyancing. He currently leads three teams at Simply Conveyancing, overseeing strategic projects focused on operational efficiency, process improvement, and technology implementation—resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction and business performance.

With a strong background in leadership and business development, Gary brings valuable expertise in managing teams, implementing performance metrics, and building partnerships. His ability to collaborate across departments and drive innovation aligns closely with the Trust’s commitment to operational excellence.

Gary’s motivation to join the Trust Board stems from a personal connection to education—his wife is an Early Years Teacher and his children attend local schools. This gives him a clear understanding of the challenges faced by families and educators. He is passionate about ensuring all children have access to high-quality education and is committed to supporting the Trust’s vision for a brighter future.

Jacynta Walsh – Trustee

Jacynta is a dedicated school governor with a strong passion for supporting educational success. Her governance experience has given her valuable insight into school operations, the challenges faced by educators, and the importance of effective leadership in driving pupil achievement.

Professionally, Jacynta is a qualified solicitor with expertise in legal frameworks and governance best practices. Her skills in compliance, transparency, and accountability are instrumental in supporting the Trust’s strategic and operational integrity.

She is committed to fostering safe, inclusive learning environments where every child feels empowered to reach their full potential. With a blend of legal expertise, governance experience, and a deep belief in the power of education, Jacynta brings a thoughtful and impactful perspective to the Trust Board.

Jas Dhillon – Trustee

Jas brings over 30 years of experience in the finance industry, having served as a Senior Bank Manager with Lloyds Banking Group. Since 2018, he has held leadership roles in Covid testing operations and property management, demonstrating adaptability and a strong commitment to public service.

A highly motivated and goal-oriented professional, Jas excels in team leadership, financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning. His deep understanding of compliance, risk management, and community engagement—gained through managing teams and supporting customers through financial challenges—translates seamlessly into the education sector.

Jas is passionate about the value of education and its role in shaping strong communities. With a naturally analytical mindset and a collaborative approach, he is well-positioned to act as a critical friend to the Board of Trustees, bringing fresh perspectives and a wealth of operational insight to support the Trust’s growth and success.

Jeremy Withers – Trustee

Jeremy has lived in Telford for over 25 years and brings a wealth of experience from a career in Information Technology, currently working as a Solution Architect. His work spans industries including construction, pharmaceuticals, utilities, insurance, and government, with a focus on designing and delivering complex enterprise IT solutions.

A committed community member, Jeremy has served on several school governing boards and local committees, including the Scouts. His strengths in analysis, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership are complemented by a deep belief in educational equity and the importance of professional development for staff.

Jeremy’s expertise in systems optimisation and policy review positions him to support the Trust in building efficient, inclusive, and high-impact educational environments. He is passionate about ensuring all children receive the best possible start in life and is eager to contribute to the Trust’s continued success.

Katy Khandeparker – Trustee

Katy is a Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience supporting schools, Trusts, and local authorities. She currently works within a Multi Academy Trust in Wolverhampton and previously held senior governance roles across the education sector. Prior to 2018, Katy worked as an Account Executive for a global insurance broker, managing complex international programmes.

As a parent of a child at one of the Trust’s founding schools, Katy brings both professional expertise and personal insight. She is passionate about fostering a collaborative culture between the Trust Board and Local Governing Bodies and is skilled in ensuring compliance across multi-academy environments.

Katy’s strengths include interpreting complex data to support school improvement, shaping strategic vision, and offering practical governance support across admissions, exclusions, and complaints. Her blend of professional experience and personal dedication makes her a valuable contributor to the Trust’s development and future growth.

Dr Mark Stnyer - Trustee

Dr. Mark Stanyer brings over 40 years of experience in education, having served as a Principal, Executive Principal, Education Director, and Trustee. His leadership has transformed schools, guiding them from special measures to “Good” and “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings. As an Education Director, he oversaw five academies with a combined budget of £60 million, demonstrating strong strategic and financial acumen.

Mark is currently semi-retired, working as an executive for leadership development in a Stoke-on-Trent Trust and delivering National Professional Qualifications for Headship and Executive Leadership through the Best Practice Network. He has previously served as a Trustee of a large Multi Academy Trust and chaired the education strand of the Stoke Opportunity Area. He is also a member of the Priority Education Investment Area.

In recognition of his contributions to education across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, Mark was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Staffordshire University in 2019.

Mark is passionate about lifelong learning, community engagement, and equity in education. He is committed to supporting the Trust’s strategic growth and ensuring all pupils have access to high-quality learning environments. His extensive experience and dedication make him a valuable advocate for positive change and collective success within the Trust.

Yvonne Dhillon – Trustee

Yvonne brings 38 years of experience in education, including her role as Headteacher at Woodlands Primary and Nursery School. Her leadership has driven whole-school improvements, developed policies, and supported staff through mentoring and professional development, resulting in better outcomes for pupils.

She has led initiatives such as the Future in Mind Strategy, supported schools as a Specialist Leader of Education, and contributed to international projects like Erasmus+. Yvonne is passionate about inclusive education and effective leadership, with strengths in strategic planning, data analysis, and change management.

Her deep understanding of teaching and learning, combined with her commitment to emotional literacy and teamwork, enables her to support the Trust’s mission. Yvonne is dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, inspiring environment and brings valuable insight to the Trust Board.