Team
The Management Team
Over 50 people keep Celtic Credit Union running smoothly. Our fabulous team of staff and volunteers are understanding, helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to personal finances.
Julie Mallinson
CEO
Julie joined Celtic Credit Union in 2013 as Business Development Manager following a long career in the financial and further education sectors. Her experience has helped to establish and develop business relationships with large, medium and small companies in the public, private and third sectors. She also regularly participates in government initiatives to address financial exclusion and high-interest debt. She has been instrumental in developing and delivering schemes to promote financial awareness in young people and is keenly aware of the many and varied issues that face families and individuals in communities across South Wales, not only financial exclusion, but also crime and anti-social behaviour.
In August 2025 she took over the position of Chief Executive and looks forward to continuing the CCU mission to offer fair, accessible, and ethical financial services to even more people in the years to come.
Julie is Vice Chair of the Governing Body at Cwmtawe Community Comprehensive School and has been a Magistrate on the West Glamorgan Bench for over 20 years. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, singing and musical theatre.
Ann Penny
Chair
Ann has been a Non-Executive Director of Celtic Credit Union for over 15 years and has supported the company through significant growth and development. She is firmly committed to the vision and values of Celtic Credit Union and actively supports the Senior Management Team on governance matters in her role as Compliance Officer.
Prior to retirement, Ann’s professional career spanned 35 years working in the health sector. Throughout her NHS career Ann was active member of the National Union of Public Employees, holding several leadership roles and representing the union at national level. She also served on the Welsh Health Advisory Committee and represented female health workers in Wales on the Welsh Women’s Committee.
Ann has played an active role in her local community in Neath and served as Parent Governor at Melin Junior & Infant School for 8 years. She also volunteered with the Girl Guide movement and regularly fund raises for a number of local causes.
Ann is passionate about the role of Celtic Credit Union in tackling financial exclusion and offering fair and affordable credit for its members in Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and across South Wales-.
Simone Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
Simone brings a unique blend of academic achievement and varied professional experience to her role as Chief Financial Officer.
After joining the company in 2013, she worked across nearly every area of the business, gaining the in-depth knowledge that paved the way for her promotion to CFO.
Her broad operational insight and strategic approach help drive financial performance and long-term sustainability.
Her approach centres on connection and collaboration, paired with a strong commitment to ongoing improvement.
Outside of work, Simone is an enthusiastic horse rider—an interest that mirrors the focus, balance, and determination she brings to her role.
Clive Ball
Secretary
Clive has over 35 years’ experience working in the education sector, including the Careers Service and - for the last 24 years - in Further Education. He has full time lecturing experience in Business Administration and Marketing and is a qualified Assessor for NVQ Business Administration qualifications.
Clive is a skilled and experienced administrator and as Celtic Credit Union Secretary brings to the Board specialist expertise in project management, procurement, financial management, governance, and external funding.
As well as his role with CCU, Clive is also a volunteer/trustee with a number of other charities in the Neath area and is an enthusiastic advocate for people and community development.
Mike Coakley
Treasurer
Mike Coakley was elected Treasurer of Celtic Credit Union at the Annual General Meeting in March 2026. Prior to this appointment, he served for two years as a director and member of the Nominations Committee.
Mike enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years with Tata Steel, where he held a range of senior leadership positions across operations, supply chain management, and commercial functions. His extensive experience in business leadership, strategic planning and commercial decision-making brings significant value to Celtic Credit Union as it continues to grow and serve its members.
Since retiring in 2020, Mike has undertaken a number of non-executive director roles, further broadening his governance and leadership experience. He is currently Chair of Swansea Tennis Centre, reflecting his lifelong passion for tennis and his commitment to supporting local community organisations.
