Executive Board
To contact a member of staff, please call 01539 724555 or email hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Richard Leafe - Chief Executive
Leads the Authority. Ensures the overall working of the Authority, that our external representation is professional, promotes us effectively and develops constructive partnerships and relationships that improve the national park for all. Ensures we have clear strategy, business plans, effective monitoring processes and financial management.
Background, particular interests and hobbies:
Born in Nottingham in 1965, educated in Nottingham at Fernwood Comprehensive School and Sheffield University, graduating with a BSc and MPhil in Geography.
Previously worked for English Nature and its successor Natural England in a variety of roles from coastal geomorphologist to Regional Director for the North West. Joined the Lake District National Park Authority in June 2007 as Chief Executive.
Hobbies include walking, climbing, fell running, cycling and skiing, all supporting a life-long passion for high places.
Kerry Powell - Director of Corporate Services
Develops, advises on and promotes innovative organisation management to support the delivery of the Authority’s Business Plan. Directs Financial Services, Human Resources, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and the Policy and Performance teams.
Background, particular interests and hobbies:
Born and educated in Barrow in Furness, before moving to York gain a degree in English from the University of York in 1994.
Kerry worked for 11 years with Warwickshire County Council, where she qualified as a chartered public finance accountant. She held numerous posts specialising in capital accounting, treasury management, best value and organisational performance. Prior to joining the National Park, Kerry was the Financial Services Manager for the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Kerry joined the Authority as Director of Finance in November 2004 before taking on a broader role as Director of Corporate Services in January 2006.
Kerry has two young children and a large and involved extended family. The small amount of time for other interests includes a bit of gardening, a bit of camping and chilling with a glass of wine!
Bob Cartwright - Director of Park Services
Directs the Authority’s Park Services operations through its Countryside, Property and Information Services. Acts as the Authority’s approved Health and Safety Director and leads on climate change management.
Background, particular interests and hobbies:
Born in South Wales and brought up on various RAF stations across the world before settling and going to school in York in 1964. After university in Dundee, where he wrote his final year thesis on National Parks and Access to the Countryside, Bob worked in Staffordshire and then for the North York Moors National Park before coming to the Lake District in 1992.
Bob joined the Lake District as Head of Park Management, later becoming Director of Operations and then Director of Park Services in 2006. He was awarded a Masters degree in Business Administration - with distinction - from Lancaster University in 2006.
Interests include fell walking, local and natural history, vegetable gardening, admiring his pond, supporting York City Football Club and watching cricket, particularly Yorkshire.
Steve Ratcliffe - Director of Planning and Partnerships
Leads the planning profession for the Authority. Advises on strategy and policies, facilitating the delivery of the Vision for the National Park. Committed to working with partners, having established the Lake District National Park Partnership. Directs Plans and Communications, Environment and Heritage and Development Management.
Background, particular interests and hobbies
Born in North Wales and moved to the Lake District in 2005.
Having graduated as a planner, Steve spent the earlier part of his career at Suffolk Coastal District Council.
Interests include gardening, sea kayaking and canoeing, running, community life in Witherslack and being a family man.
