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.
Steve Mallinson
Chief Executive
Steve has over 45 years’ experience in the finance & property management sectors - spending 30 years at Halifax Building Society as a successful Branch, City and Area Manager. After taking early retirement in 2000, Steve joined a property management business where his management expertise delivered extraordinary growth over a 10-year period.
Steve joined Neath Port Talbot Credit Union in 2011, becoming Chief Executive in 2015, guiding the organisation through a period of exceptional success and growth.
In his free time, Steve enjoys oil painting and is an avid classic car enthusiast.
Julie Mallinson
Business Development Manager
Julie has worked in finance and business development for over 35 years, with experience in the private, public and academic sectors. After 20 years in senior roles at Halifax Building Society, she subsequently has worked with a range of companies developing staff training plans & advising on project funding.
Business Development Manager since 2013, she oversees the organisation’s extensive Schools and Communities programmes and builds relationships between the credit union and the business and third sectors.
Julie is a Local Authority Appointed Governor at Cwmtawe Community Comprehensive School and has been a Magistrate for over 20 years – she is a member of the West Glamorgan Bench. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, singing and musical theatre.
Adrian Howells
Chair
Adrian Howells is a founding member of Celtic Credit Union and has overseen the significant development of the company for over 20 years. Throughout this time Adrian has been a passionate advocate for the delivery of first-class customer service to members, acknowledging the real difference Celtic Credit Union makes to the communities it serves.
Adrian’s career has been spent largely in the voluntary and community improvement sectors, and he served for several years on various Voluntary Service Overseas projects around the world. He returned to Wales and worked in local government prior to retirement.
Adrian has brought this wealth of experience to Celtic Credit Union serving not only as a faithful Director but also over time as Secretary, Treasurer and now Chair.
In recognition of his considerable contribution to the Credit Union sector, Adrian was awarded the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from Credit Unions of Wales in October 2021.
Adrian continues to be a source of inspiration and plays a key role in moving the company forward at a time of considerable economic and social challenge.
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.
Dr Junnine Thomas-Walters JP
Treasurer
Junnine is an education specialist who had front line teaching experience in both Infant and Primary Schools before moving into the Higher Education sector (HE) as Head of Special Educational Needs (SEN). She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wales Trinity St. David’s. Prior to her current role as Programme Director responsibility for the MA (Ed), and the Doctorate in Education (EdD) Junnine held numerous multi-level lecturing roles within the University.
Junnine is passionate about Professional Development with particular interest in ALN, CPD and Coaching & Mentoring within the HE context.
Stepping into the Treasurer role, Junnine brings to Celtic Credit Union a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience which will be a valuable contribution to CCU’s plans for growth and development.
