The National Centre has recently recruited a number of new Directors and whilst you can read about their credentials in detail on our website I thought you might find it interesting to see a high level description of them here:
Nikki Cooke (Chief Executive Officer, LIVES)
Nikki Cooke is the Chief Executive of Lincolnshire-based emergency response charity LIVES. Originally from New Zealand, Nikki has a broad background in the private and VCSE sectors and has worked in the NHS.
Professor Mark Gussy (Global Professor in Rural Health and Social Care)
Mark's research and professional activity is about making significant contributions to the evidence base for oral health and its interface with general health and wellbeing with particular emphasis on vulnerable and marginalised people. Professor Gussy has experience and academic success that transcends professional boundaries and is now firmly located in transdisciplinary action and rural and community-centred health.
Andrew Dickenson (Chief Dental Officer for Wales)
As a clinician Andrew holds dual qualifications in dentistry and medicine. He undertook postgraduate surgical training across the North East of England and the Midlands regions. In 2003 he became a consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He has worked in medical and dental education, joining Health Education England as Dean of Postgraduate Education in 2014. Andrew holds a visiting professorship in health and social care at the University of Chester.
Mark Cooke (Regional Director of Strategy and Transformation, NHSEI South West)
Mark is a CIPFA accountant. In the 1990’s Mark was involved in establishing NHS Trusts. He moved Heartlands NHS Trust in Birmingham as Deputy Finance Director, ultimately becoming its Finance Director and Director of Strategy. He subsequently moved to the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust as Deputy CEO and CFO. His first Chief Executive post oversaw the merger of two PCTs in Dudley where he also chaired the Dudley Local Strategic Partnership. He also chaired various West Midland Specialised Commissioning Groups and hosted the West Midlands Commissioning Business Support Agency. He chaired the West Midlands HFMA in 2002 and was the first Chair of the HFMA Mental Health FD Network.