Executive Team (ID 1224)

• Stephen Wheatley
  Chief Executive Officer
  Stephen Wheatley

  Over a 20 year career in education, Stephen has enjoyed very happy and successful posts in teaching and leadership within the primary sector, serving in Catholic schools in the Northampton and Westminster Dioceses.

  Stephen is passionate about providing the very best opportunities for all students and in ensuring that Catholic schools are places of outstanding teaching and learning in which children and young people can live out a shared Catholic mission and faith and begin to realise their innate God-given potential. He is a firm believer in the power of Catholic education to change outcomes for pupils, families and local communities. Before taking up the position of CEO at ASCAT, Stephen was the Executive Headteacher of Holy Rood and Divine Saviour Catholic Primary Schools for 10 years - both judged to be Outstanding in all areas in their most recent S48 inspections by the Diocese of Westminster.

  As an Executive Headteacher, Stephen was firmly committed to developing leadership potential in others and supporting new leaders, both on his own staff teams and more widely, working with the Diocese of Westminster and Herts for Learning to provide mentoring and support. Some of the fruits of this can be seen in a number of leadership positions within a number of our Trust schools.

  Outside of his work for the Trust, Stephen is a proud father of four children who enjoys playing the guitar and the odd run or two.

• Graham Young
  Chief Finance Officer
  Graham Young

  Graham is a qualified Chartered CIPFA Accountant and comes to ASCAT with significant experience of schools and education finance having worked in the sector over the last twenty years for several different local authorities. Most recently prior to joining ASCAT Graham was the finance lead for schools and education for a London local authority and managed their Schools Finance team.

• Christina Reffold
  Director of Governance & Compliance
  Christina Reffold

  Christina's has a background in property and business management before moving into the Public Sector where she has gained experience working in both student facing and operational management roles. She has significant experience of working with Governing Boards and has been awarded qualifications from CIPD, CDI and is currently completing a CIPFA Diploma in financial and operational leadership.

  She has strong connections with the local Catholic Community, having grown up in Harrow and attended Catholic Primary; Secondary; and Sixth Form Education. She is a mother to two children and has a strong family affiliation with the West Coast of Ireland and travel to Achill Island in Mayo most summers.

• Carmel Festenstein
  Director of Resources
  Carmel Festenstein

  Carmel is a dedicated professional with a passion for education and a strong background in school management and resource optimization. With nearly 18 years of experience in the education sector, Carmel has made significant contributions to the improvement of school environments and the overall well-being of students and staff.

  Starting her career as a Teaching Assistant in 2005, she progressed to the role of School Business Manager for Holy Rood and Divine Saviour, where she successfully managed the financial and operational aspects of the schools, ensuring efficient resource allocation and budgetary control. In 2019, Carmel was appointed as the Director of Resources, a position that allows her to leverage her expertise in school management and resource optimization. With a background in Civil Engineering, Carmel brings a unique perspective to her role, enabling her to enhance the estates of all schools within the Trust.

  Carmel has successfully secured funding of over £1.5 million for improvement projects and she works tirelessly to identify and collaborate with top contractors and suppliers, ensuring the Trust's schools receive the highest quality services and materials.

  One of Carmel's key priorities is sustainability and she is actively working towards making the Trust's estates net carbon zero, aligning with the Trust's commitment to environmental responsibility.

  Carmel has two daughters and likes to travel. She is a keen member of a Classical Choir and performs regularly with them, including performances at home and abroad.

• Jo Stokes
  Director of People & Culture
  Jo Stokes

  Born and bred in Glasgow, Jo moved to Hertfordshire after firstly graduating from the University of Glasgow with an MA in 1995 and then completing a Postgraduate Diploma in European Business in 1996.

  Following a successful career of over 20 years in leading buying and merchandising teams at Mothercare PLC, after redundancy in 2018, Jo took the decision to re-train in the field of Human Resources. She joined ASCAT in May 2019 as HR Administrator, coming on board as the Trust expanded from one to four schools. Jo's career with ASCAT has grown as the Trust has expanded, and in September 2023 took up the newly created post of Director for People and Culture. Jo is passionate about the opportunities that a Multi Academy Trust can offer their staff, and looks forward to developing these further as the Trust grows. Jo is an Associate Member of the CIPD, having been awarded a Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management in August 2020.

• Liam Lynch
  Director of Catholic Life & Mission
  Liam Lynch

  Liam was ordained as a permanent Deacon in 2017 and has worked in secondary education since 2007, beginning his career as a PE teacher before transitioning to Chaplaincy. His passion for youth ministry and faith formation began in 2003, during a gap year at Westminster Diocese's Youth Retreat Centre (SPEC), and has since shaped his vocation in education and spiritual accompaniment.

  A product of Catholic education from North London, Liam is committed to fostering a deep and meaningful relationship with God in the lives of students and colleagues, one that brings about personal flourishing and inspires engagement with the wider world - building the Kingdom of God.

• Paul Neves
  Director of Secondary Education
  Paul Neves

  Paul was appointed Executive Hub Lead for the St Mark's (Dacorum) Hub in 2023. He been Headteacher at John F Kennedy Catholic School (JFK) since 2011 and a member of the staff at the school for over 30 years. Paul has also previously served as Interim co-headteacher at St Albert the Great Catholic Primary School, which inspired him to complete the NPQEL programme, in 2020. In September 2022, Paul took on the post of Executive Headteacher at St Mary's Catholic School, Bishop's Stortford for one year, to support the school through a period of leadership changes. Paul's experience in leading various projects and his deep understanding of Catholic education is an asset to the Trust which provides significant support to the schools in Dacorum.

• Emma Braund
  Director of Primary Education
  Emma Braund

  Emma started her teaching career as an ECT/NQT at Holy Rood Catholic Primary School in 2006, fresh out of university and ready to teach the young minds of Watford. She worked her way through and onto the senior leadership team in 2009, before becoming Deputy Headteacher, Head of School and then Headteacher of Holy Rood in September 2023, all whilst welcoming and raising her two children as a full time working mother.

  In the first 12 months of headship, Holy Rood received both Diocesan (March,2023) and Ofsted (September, 2023) inspections. Although very challenging to experience so early in her Headship, both proved to be very successful with Outstanding outcomes.

  In her role Emma supports other school leaders in their work and individual journeys towards Outstanding Catholic Education for every child in our very special faith community.

Directors (ID 1225)

• Mr Leigh O'Connor
  Chair of the Trust Board
  Mr Leigh O'Connor

  Leigh O'Connor is an experienced leader with a proven track record in governance, strategy, and organisational growth. As Chair of the Trust Board, he brings extensive expertise from senior leadership roles, including his position as Regional Manager at The Football Association. Leigh is passionate about creating strong, sustainable structures that enable schools to thrive, ensuring every child has access to the highest standards of education. His focus on collaboration, accountability, and community impact underpins his commitment to helping the Trust deliver excellence for all its pupils.

  Having grown up in Harrow he now lives in Abbots Langley with his wife and two children. Outside of work he loves watching Sport and spending time with his family.

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• Chris Gomes
  Director
  Chris Gomes

  Chris Gomes has been a Director of ASCAT since 2019 and was appointed Chair of Audit and Risk in 2022. He also serves on the Finance and Resources Committee, bringing valuable oversight and governance experience. With over 20 years in the IT sector, Chris is currently a Director at a global software company and is passionate about the positive role technology can play in education. A former Governor at St John's School and ex-pupil of St Joan of Arc, Chris combines professional expertise with a strong commitment to supporting the Trust's schools and pupils.

• Laura Sharp
  Director
  Laura Sharp

  Laura Sharpe joined ASCAT in 2019 during the Trust's early growth and now chairs the Quality of Education Committee. Formerly Chair of Governors at St John's School, Rickmansworth, she brings extensive governance experience alongside a career leading resource and capability management teams. In her current role as Global Head of Portfolio Operations & Resource Management at Dyson, Laura leads on strategic resourcing and capability development, aligning people, skills, and organisational needs in a fast-moving, global environment.

  With expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and resourcing, Laura has a proven ability to equip schools and organisations with the systems, tools, and training needed to deliver excellence. A committed advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity, she champions positive and inclusive cultures that enable every child to thrive.

  Beyond her professional and governance roles, Laura enjoys a full family life with her husband, Steve, and daughter, Kirsty, and in her spare time loves reading, yoga, dog walking, and spending time with family.

• Tony Hickin
  Director
  Tony Hickin

  Tony joined ASCAT as a Foundation Director in 2022 and contributes his expertise through the Leadership and Governance Committee as well as Audit and Risk. Recently retired from full-time employment, Tony built a career specialising in project and programme management, delivering complex initiatives across the financial sector with organisations such as Santander and BACS Payment Schemes, alongside senior roles in the public sector.

  Tony has also developed his expertise in governance as a Lay Member of the Royal College of Physicians and as a Director at the Canons Academy Trust in Harrow. Tony brings a strong focus on delivery, risk management, and effective leadership to his work with ASCAT.

• Mrs Veronica Lopez-Smith
  Director
  Mrs Veronica Lopez-Smith

  Veronica joined ASCAT as a Foundation Director in March 2023 and contributes her expertise through the Audit and Risk Committee as well as the Education and Behaviour Committee. Previously, she served as Treasurer for a primary school PTA in Hillingdon, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting education.

  With over 20 years' experience in Audit, primarily in Internal Audit across sectors including supply chain, retail, aviation, and charity, Veronica brings extensive knowledge in governance, risk management, and compliance. She joined ASCAT to apply her expertise for the benefit of the Trust and its schools. Veronica holds the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence in the field of audit.

  Based in the UK for nearly 20 years, Veronica lives with her husband and has two children in secondary school. Outside of her professional and governance roles, she is an avid reader and collector of books on history and travel.

• Mr Peter Taylor
  Director
  Mr Peter Taylor

  Peter Taylor has served as the Elected Mayor of Watford since May 2018 and was re-elected in 2022 for a second term. As leader of Watford Council, he has focused on improving the town's transport infrastructure and enhancing support for local rough sleepers. Notable initiatives under his leadership include the introduction of a cycle hire scheme and expanded collaboration with homelessness charities to increase outreach and services for those in need.

  Raised in Sheffield, Peter attended Notre Dame High School and the University of Edinburgh before moving to Watford to begin his career in education as a teacher at St Dominic's Sixth Form in Harrow. He subsequently served as Assistant Director for Education at the Catholic Education Service (CES), working with diocesan education services, Catholic universities, and Teaching Schools to strengthen support for school leaders and governors.

  Peter lives in Oxhey with his wife and three children.

• Mr Andy Parsons
  Director
  Mr Andy Parsons

  Andy joined the Trust Board in December 2024 and serves on the Finance & Resources and Leadership & Governance Sub-Committees. He is a senior manager with extensive experience in setting strategic direction, leading frontline and support services, and delivering complex business transformation programmes. Professionally qualified, Andy is an expert in Property, Surveying, and Planning and has successfully managed major construction and regeneration projects across the public sector. His expertise in change management, programme delivery, and operational transformation enables him to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.

  Andy lives in Watford with his family, and both of his children attended local Catholic schools in Bushey and Watford.

• Ms Catherine Turton
  Director
  Ms Catherine Turton

  Catherine is a highly experienced education professional and school governor with over 15 years of expertise spanning teaching, national policy, and governance. She brings extensive knowledge in education strategy, school improvement, and public service, developed through senior roles at the Department for Education, most recently within the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence Directorate. In addition, she has served as a governor at a Catholic primary school for eight years, including six years as Chair of Governors, providing strategic leadership and oversight.

• Fr Michael O'Boy
  Director
  Fr Michael O'Boy

  Born in 1968, Fr Michael was ordained priest for the Diocese of Westminster in 2000. After ordination he served in Kentish Town, Westminster Cathedral, Somers Town and is currently Parish Priest of St Alban and St Stephen and St Bartholomew's in St Albans. He has also been a Director of the Diocesan Agency for Evangelisation and before St Albans was Dean of Studies and Vice-Rector at Allen Hall Seminary. He completed a first degree in History and Politics and his doctorate was in Elizabethan Catholicism. Since ordination he has also completed a masters and licence in Theology.

  He has been a Foundation Governor at several schools including St John Fisher Primary School (St Albans) and St Alban and St Stephen Primary and Nursery School (St Albans). Alongside his responsibilities as a parish priest and Foundation Director at ASCAT, he is Foundation Governor at St Edmund's College and Prep School in Ware and an Administrator of the Secular Clergy Common Fund.

• Mr Charley McInerney
  Director
  Mr Charley McInerney

• Daniel O'Riordan
  Director
  Daniel O'Riordan

  Daniel is an accomplished IT professional with 15 years of experience in software development and data analysis, complemented by a strong track record in school governance. He leads complex technical projects with strategic insight and brings deep expertise in safeguarding, admissions and procedural oversight.

  Daniel is passionate about building fair, transparent systems that empower communities and create meaningful opportunities for young people. Daniel lives in Harrow with his wife and two daughters.