The team are central to our organisation and what we stand for:

David Parsons – Chief Executive

David Parsons joined the Merchant Navy in 1964 following three years aboard the Training Ship ‘Mercury’. He spent his first six years with Shaw Savill & Albion Line on the Australia and New Zealand trades. In 1971 he joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary where he remained until 1977. His last sixteen years at sea were spent on P&O Ferries (formerly Thoresen Car Ferries) sailing out of Portsmouth where he attained the rank of master. Since 1993 he has worked as General Secretary of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, firstly in London at the former Merchant Navy Hotel and latterly in Southampton. He is a member of Council for Seafarers UK and the Presidium of the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare.

Peter Tomlin MBE – Deputy Chief Executive

Peter joined the Merchant Navy Welfare Board having served 26 years in the Royal Navy, from ‘boy’ seaman to Lieutenant Commander. A Seaman Officer and Physical Training & Recreation Officer specialist, he served in numerous ships ranging from fishery protection vessels to several frigates and was also Deputy Queen’s Harbour Master in Gibraltar. Throughout his career he has been heavily involved in seafarers’ welfare activities and was awarded an MBE for his charitable endeavours.

Sally Oliver - Welfare Administrator

Having completed a full year at Secretarial College, and being credited with numerous RSA and Pitman qualifications, Sally joined a major finance company where she worked as a Chief Finance Clerk and Typist. She later turned her hand to the Care Sector as a Care Manager, specialising in domiciliary care. After completion of a year’s study with the Institute of Welfare Officers Sally gained a qualifying certificate. She has over 10 years of extensive training and experience within the Social Services and NHS. She has been with the Board since 2006.

Susan Newcombe – Port Welfare Administrator

Susan joined the MNWB in 2009 having worked with the Voluntary and Community Sectors in Hampshire for almost 20 years. Prior to that, she served with the Royal Navy/Royal Naval Reserve in a variety of appointments including Public Affairs/Public Relations. More recently, Susan spent a short but enjoyable time working with the Hampshire Governor Services as The Clerk to Governors, Northern Junior Community School in Portchester near Fareham. As one of two Port Welfare Administrators to the Merchant Navy Welfare Board's 16 Port Welfare Committees, she represents the Board at their meetings around the UK.

Carolyn Lewis - Port Welfare Administrator

Carolyn joined the MNWB in 2009 from Graypen GP Shipping where she served as a Shipping Agent across the South Coast working with a range of vessels from large tankers to coasters.  Having served on Container ships for CP Ships and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary she comes with first hand knowledge of the modern Merchant Navy.  Carolyn also has vast experience in Administration in a variety of roles including sales, marketing and within the public sector.  Since joining the Board she has successfully completed a Professional Diploma in Marketing Communications and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketers.

Sarah Edward - Training and Project Administrator

After graduating from the University of Wales with an Honours Degree in Heritage Conservation and Archaeology, Sarah went on to work for the National Trust honing her administration rather than digging skills. After a stint in the NHS as a Clerical Officer, Sarah decided she needed a change of scenery and applied to the Merchant Navy. She spent 4 years at sea as a Purser with Princess Cruises before joining the MNWB in 2009 as Training and Project Administrator.

Louise Fairweather - Office Administrator

Having successfully completed a B-Tech National Diploma in Dental Technology, Louise decided that her heart wasn't in a career in dentistry and re-trained to become a Secretary.  Having gained her RSA qualifications, Louise joined, the then Southampton Institute (now Solent University) where she spent 5 of her 9 years working for the Maritime department, in the Faculty of Technology, supporting students and academics.  From there she moved to the University of Southampton where she gained futher experience in HR and Finance.  Whilst working at the University of Southampton, Louise also trained to be an Office Ergonomics Advisor, ensuring all employees workstations were positioned correctly.  Louise joined the Board in 2011.