Meet our Board of Directors
True spokespeople for the work that goes on across tourism, retail, leisure and hospitality, each member of our Board of Directors is deeply rooted within their sector and resulting community.
An extension of our team on the ground, our Board – which includes Chief Executive, Charlotte Goy - is passionate about championing Lincolnshire, driving it to fulfil its potential as one of the UK’s top 10 destinations. As Destination Lincolnshire itself continues to evolve, so too will our Board, as we look to address inclusivity and diversity. So, we think it’s about time you met them…
Chris Baron | Destination Lincolnshire Board Chairperson and Chair at Connected Coast Town Deal
As well as being Chair at the Connected Coast Town Deal, Chris is also the former Director of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, following a 30-year stint at Butlins - the last 20 years of which was spent as Resort Director. Having grown up in Lincolnshire, Chris has seen the visitor economy from both sides – experiencing it and delivering it.
Laura Dunne | Lincolnshire Cooperative
Head of Marketing and Membership at Lincolnshire Co-op, Laura is a Lincolnshire girl through and through. Having moved away to go to university in Manchester - leading to securing the enviable role of Marketing Manager at Adidas - Laura relocated back to her home city in 2011. Joining our Board in 2018, Laura has been driving the Cornhill Quarter project forward, marketing that area of the city to local, regional, national and international audiences, showcasing Lincoln as a great destination. Also a trustee of Rhubarb Theatre, Laura is a vital member of our Board.
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn.
Mark Hollingworth | Giant at Doddington Hall
Previously President at Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Director at Lincoln BIG, Mark has been our Chairman since 2010. A Lincolnshire businessman in his own right, you may know Mark as Director of Flowers by Suzanne, or – a familiar face around the Doddington estate – General Manager at the Giant Store.
Samantha Mellows | Lincoln Cathedral
Having cut her teeth in place marketing in our neighbouring destinations Sheffield and Nottinghamshire, Sam’s formative years in Lincolnshire began in Gainsborough as Town Manager. Moving from there to the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, Sam joined us as a Director in 2018. Since then, she has also made the move to Lincoln Cathedral – initially as Business Development Manager and now Director of Visitor Experience and Enterprise. A huge responsibility at arguably Lincoln’s most famous landmark, Sam brings immeasurable insight to the Board.
Jayne Southall | Former CEO of Lincolnshire Showground
A true Lincolnshire icon, Jayne has been the driving force at the Lincolnshire Showground now for 16 years. CEO since 2011, Jayne has seen the Showground and its team through incredible highs and lows and has the most fabulous insight into the leisure aspect of our visitor economy.
Along with our Board of Directors, we also have our Board Observers - key figures among those who can champion change across the county.
Kate Ellis | City of Lincoln Council
Kimberley Vickers | Lincolnshire County Council Heritage Services
Michelle Tasker | North Kesteven District Council
Emma Clark | North Kesteven District Council
Wendy Osgodby | West Lindsey District Council
Nicky Van der Drift | IBCC
Emma Jubbs | Assistant Director, University of Lincoln
Justin Brown | Assistant Director Growth, Lincolnshire County Council