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Hi, I’m Marie and I have the honour and privilege of being the Chief Executive of CDN.
I’m passionate about the life-changing power of education as an enabler of social mobility and the ability of lifelong learning and skills development to support people, communities and the economy. Having originally trained as a lawyer, my career path has taken me through financial services to social housing, support of the homeless and financial inclusion and into the Higher and Further education sector where I’ve worked at a senior level for nearly 15 years. It’s a real privilege to now work with the team at CDN and with colleagues across the sector to support the improvement and enhancement of colleges, the development of their people and boards and to work in partnership with likeminded organisations to bring best-practice to life.
I’m a member of a number of Boards across Education and International Development. Outside of work, I’m always up for a bit of karaoke and I occasionally write for a live music blogging site. I also take the opportunity to do my best Maid Marian impression by being part of an Archery club (and yes, my bow is pink!)
Executive Team
Director of Operations & Strategic Planning
I’m Vicky Underwood, Director of Operations & Strategic Planning for CDN.
My role here at CDN involves supporting the team to drive forward our strategy and deliver for our colleges and the wider tertiary sector. This includes all our delivery and enhancement activity, insights, innovation and planning work, marketing, and our business development activity.
I am a board member of The Promise Scotland which, alongside the college sector, is an area extremely close to my heart.
I am also a mum of two great wee girls and a noisy La Chon called Napoleon who happens to be an influencer on Instagram thanks to my husband!
Executive Team
Director of Finance and Corporate Services
I’m Kimberly Williams, CDN’s Director of Finance & Corporate Services. After studying at Forth Valley College, I started my career in Finance in the private sector before joining CDN 10 years ago.
My current role at CDN involves supporting all areas of Corporate Services and Company Secretary duties.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me on taxi duties for my two sons or cuddled on the sofa with my cavapoo puppy.
Insight, Planning & Impact
Head of Insight, Planning & Impact
I’m Gordon Hunt, Head of Insight, Planning & Impact for CDN. I’ve had a varied career in tertiary education and the third sector and specialise in governance, planning and research.
My role here at CDN involves supporting our research and enhancement work and our marketing and events activities.
I’m also an active non-executive board member which helps with my support for our governance programmes.
Delivery & Engagement
Head of Delivery & Engagement
Hi, I’m Paula Christie, CDN’s Head of Delivery and Engagement. I’ve worked in a number of roles across the tertiary sector, and I’ve enjoyed teaching, researching and working on international projects along the way.
My role is to support colleges through the design and delivery of enhancement activities. The best bit of my job is getting out there and engaging with colleagues from across the sector and bringing about meaningful change for staff and learners.
I’m a self-confessed ‘Scandophile’ and you’ll often find me reading Icelandic and Swedish crime novels, sometimes sledging and zip lining down mountains in Norway and for sure in the front row at a-ha gigs cheering on my hero trio.
Delivery & Engagement
Delivery & Engagement Partner
I’m Valerie Jackman, one of the delivery and engagement partners at CDN. I’ve worked in the college sector for over 20 years and my main area of focus is Leadership Development.
I also work as an Executive Coach and I am a Director with the Scottish Leadership institute.
Delivery & Engagement
Delivery & Engagement Partner
I am Dr Gail Toms, a Delivery and Engagement Partner at CDN. With over a decade’s experience in the tertiary education sector, I have expertise in EDI, curriculum design, and professional development. I also curate the professional development digest, 'Equality Matters', and its related infographics.
As an active board member and director of WRASAC in Dundee, I am committed to eradicating violence against women and girls and any form of GBV.
In my downtime, I enjoy nothing more than a large mug of tea, a fine book, and cuddles with my couthy black lab, called Boris.
Delivery & Engagement
Delivery & Engagement Partner
I’m Sandra-Jane Grier (S-J).
I love being part of the ever-changing and dynamic college scene in Scotland and have experience of designing and supporting the delivery of qualifications at various SCQF levels.
My background is in Industrial Design, so I'm always looking for ways to create and improve things and my curiosity about what makes learning, teaching, and assessment effective… and why, is still going strong.
I’m the lead for CDN’s initial Teaching in Colleges Today units but also support the ongoing development and refinement of learning and teaching practices as part of CDN’s Changing Learner and other programmes.
Insight, Planning & Impact
Marketing & Impact Partner
I’m a passionate marketeer with a degree in Film and Media, and I love bringing creativity to everything I do. Whether it’s planning campaigns, filming and editing videos, or organising events, I’m always looking for innovative ways to connect ideas and people.
I started my marketing career in the education sector, which gave me a strong foundation and a real appreciation for the value of collaboration and creativity.
When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me hanging out with my cat (who's the star of my camera roll), playing guitar, or staying active with netball and football.
Insight, Planning & Impact
Insight & Innovation Partner
Jo is currently Insights & Innovations partner for CDN, and alo studying for an MSc Education Futures (Edinburgh Futures Institute/ University of Edinburgh). She is an advocate of curiosity, creativity, ideation, and inquiry, and aims to cultivate this approach both in her own work and with the sector. Jo has been a promoter of different approaches to challenges, innovation and changemaking for her entire career, initially as a Performing Arts (Dance) lecturer and now in her role at CDN. (Give her a set of rules and she'll find different ways to interpret them!).
When she's not at work or studying (or daydreaming!), you'll find Jo with her head in her library of recipe books, cooking and planning menus! A tap dancer through and through, theatre and performance runs deep in her veins, so more often than not Jo's inner soundtrack involves Broadway show tunes, Disney songs or the repertoire she's rehearsing for choir (Loud & Proud, Scotland's first LGBTQIA+ choir).
Delivery & Engagement
Delivery & Engagement Partner
Kenji serves as the Delivery & Engagement Partner at CDN.
With a robust background in ESOL education and educational technology, he has amassed extensive experience in the UK and overseas, spanning both private and public sectors. In light of the rapid advancements in generative AI, Kenji's current focus is on supporting educational practice to ensure that staff and students are well-prepared for an AI-driven future.
Insight, Planning & Impact
Marketing & Communications Officer
I’m Lauren Hendrick, CDN’s Marketing Officer, and marketing has always been my passion. After studying at City of Glasgow College and earning a Marketing degree from the University of Stirling, I’ve built a career in this dynamic field.
The ever-evolving landscape of the college sector keeps me creative and constantly growing, with recent interests in AI and Canva.
Outside of work, I’m kept on my toes by my two energetic boys. When I get a moment to relax, I enjoy a good chat over a cuppa.
Insight, Planning & Impact
Marketing & Events Coordinator
I am CDN's Marketing and Events Coordinator. My role includes organising and promoting events and activities that support the professional development of college staff and enhance the educational experience for students.
My background in Marketing and Events began in the sport sector, working for Scottish Gymnastics, the National Governing Body for gymnastics in Scotland, for over 10 years.
Finance & Corporate Services
Executive Assistant/Board Secretary
Marian McMorland, Executive Assistant/Board Secretary. I have worked in administrative support roles for more years than I’d like to admit. During this time, I gained additional qualifications through two different colleges, the Open University and various work-based opportunities. In addition to supporting the Chief Executive/respective Directors, I contribute to a variety of areas of work, including supporting some of CDN's certificated courses.
During the working week, and at weekends (regardless of the weather), I can be found litter picking in my local community and received recognition from Keep Scotland Beautiful in 2024 as a ‘Clean Up Scotland hero’.
Finance & Corporate Services
Corporate Services Manager
Hi, I’m Margaret Sweeney, Corporate Services Manager for CDN. I have a wealth of experience across various sectors. With a strong background in administration, customer service and property management. I bring a diverse skill set to my role and provide support to both staff and external colleagues.
Outside of work I enjoy exploring new and exciting places to walk my dog, always on the lookout for the next scenic trail. A passionate fan of country music and often find inspiration in the stories and melodies that resonate with me.
Finance & Corporate Services
Finance Officer
I’m Claire Mason, CDN’s Finance Officer, and after earning a Business degree from Strathclyde University being part of the Finance and Corporate services team at CDN is the perfect fit.
The ever-changing landscape of the college sector has meant CDN has had to be come a dynamic and resilient organisation, therefore no day at work is ever boring and allows me to work to my strength which is planning and organising.
When I am not working, I’m kept busy with my two young kids and when I get 5 minutes peace, you’ll find me consuming all things true crime or having a good catch up with friends.
Finance & Corporate Services
Project & Corporate Services Administrator
I’m Susan McGregor, CDN’s Project and Corporate Services Administrator. I have an HNC in Administration and I.T, which I gained from Forth Valley College in Stirling. In my role, I provide administrative support to CDN’s project delivery and corporate services departments, which includes the Management and Leadership Programmes and TiCT.
In my free time I like crocheting amigurumi, reading Junji Ito books and playing badminton, which helps me stay active.
