Meet Rubicon's Board

JOHN CAVANAGH, COMPANY DIRECTOR

Having worked in organisations such as Airbus, the Ministry of Defence, a start-up, a turnaround, and the third sector, John brings extensive experience from many different contexts.

As Director of St John Ambulance, John set up and ran the very successful Workplace Training division, integrating the activities of 42 counties and leading a team of 500 people in 200 locations providing 2.5 million hours of high-quality training annually.

With a business degree and roles in HR, Coaching, Marketing, Sales/business development, Strategy, Procurement, Programme Management and Operations, John is a generalist who wants to help organisations and the people in them to achieve their potential, whilst enjoying work and being proud of making a positive difference in the communities they serve.

MATT WILLIAMS, POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, WELSH SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Matt is an experienced policy and government affairs professional with extensive experience in lobbying all levels of Government in Wales. He is Policy and Communications Manager at the Welsh Sports Association and leads on engagement with the Senedd, Welsh Government and other statutory organisations.

He has a track record of delivering policy and legislative change in a variety of sectors, from the environment and planning to economic development.

Matthew is a Welsh speaker and outside of work, he is a keen cyclist and past chair of Wales’ largest cycling club, Cardiff Ajax CC – managing a team of volunteers delivering a programme of sport across the city and South Wales.

PAUL WHITTAKER, ARTIST, WRITER, FILMMAKER

Paul is an artist, writer and filmmaker working across different sectors in Wales. Alongside his own practice, Paul has worked on several commissions from clients including Rubicon Dance, Arts Council Wales, Sherman Cymru, Channel 4, Public Health Wales and the Old Vic.

He recently wrote and directed his autobiographical play, Gods & Kings, to critical acclaim and had his first solo art exhibition at the Hearth Gallery, miscellaneous RULES.

As part of our board, Paul helps Rubicon find creative ways to present our work across all media and has been key in the incorporation of a digital alternative to our artistic programme.

MICAELA OWEN, HEAD OF SKILLS AND WORKFORCE TRANSFORMATION, NCC

Micaela is the newest member of the board. She is Head of Skills and Workforce Transformation at the UK's top Composite R&D facility, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Micaela is known for collaborating with dynamic individuals who value ethics and innovation, believing in promoting teamwork and empowerment.

With expertise in leading extensive and dispersed training teams, she has worked across various sectors including charity, not for profit and commercial, and is a compassionate, dedicated and approachable leader who is particularly interested in building and maintaining high standards in training delivery to enhance the learner experience.

DAVE MORGAN, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, SPINDOGS

Dave is the Technical Director at Spindogs. With a degree in Computer Science from Cardiff University and over 20 years’ experience in web development, he is an exceptional problem solver, a highly respected system architect and an accredited PRINCE2 practitioner. Dave has specialist expertise in the Automotive Sector working with a variety of global brands delivering easy to use solutions to complex business problems.

When he isn’t managing innovative projects, Dave can be found on the golf course, at the theatre or watching the latest films.

As a board member of our board, Dave has been instrumental in helping Rubicon Dance articulate a new marketing strategy and supporting senior staff in its implementation.