Meet The Team
Our team are experts in their respective fields and ready to discuss partnership opportunities
The team is led by Catherine Hawkins, CEO of National Parks Partnerships, overseen by our Management Board consisting of a majority of National Park representatives and non-executive directors from the private sector.
As Chief Executive Officer of National Parks Partnerships (NPP), Catherine leads the organisation’s work to unlock responsible private investment and commercial partnerships for the UK’s 15 National Parks. She brings over 25 years of expertise in commercial strategy, fundraising, and sponsorship, having transitioned from Chair of the NPP Board to the CEO role in early 2026.
Beyond her leadership at NPP, Catherine is the founder of Think!Sponsorship, a leading consultancy established in 2002. She has advised a diverse range of organisations, including the RSA, Forestry England, and English Heritage, and has trained over 1,000 sponsorship professionals globally.
In 2023, Catherine was recognised by her peers as one of only six Fellows of the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) for her outstanding contribution to the sector. She also serves as the Course Director for the ESA Sponsorship Sales Certificate. Her additional roles include serving as a Trustee of Essex Wildlife Trust, co-founder of Women in Sponsorship, and a judge for the UK Sponsorship Awards.
Development
Biography
David is a Chartered Marketer with over twenty years of marketing, fundraising and partnership experience in the environment, sport, tourism and healthcare sectors.
As Development Director for National Parks Partnerships, he develops strategic level partnerships for the benefit of the 15 UK National Parks to amplify delivery of nature, access, well-being, education and community programmes. He overseas corporate partnerships including Vodafone, Santander UK, BMW UK, Estée Lauder Companies UK and Ireland, Pearl and Dean, Howdens, Grangers, Sykes Holiday Cottages and Forest Holidays.
Prior to this role he was Development Director for the National Forest where he promoted a transformation to a greener, healthier and more sustainable future with over nine million trees planted across the Midlands. He created partnerships with FatFace, Aardman, the National Memorial Arboretum, Westminster Abbey and a gold medal winning garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with Meta.
Previously, he was Director of Partnerships at British Cycling where he was responsible for getting the nation cycling, delivering the Olympic legacy from London 2012 with mass participation programmes such as Sky Ride and Breeze Bike Rides for Women, inspiring 1.7 million people to ride bikes.
Biography
Lisa Sensier is Head of Development at National Parks Partnerships (NPP), creating strategic national partnerships between the commercial sector and the UK National Parks.
In her time at NPP, she has supported the development of a major nature restoration initiative ‘Revere’ as well as securing and delivering impactful partnerships with BMW UK, Santander UK, VodafoneThree, Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland and Pearl & Dean.
Lisa has over 20 years’ experience in partnership development across organisations including Historic Royal Palaces, Royal Museums Greenwich and English National Ballet.
In September 2025, Lisa joined the steering committee of Coastal Wildbelt, a national initiative which champions both nature and the people who share England’s coastline.
Biography
Brooke supports strategic fundraising and partnership initiatives at NPP that contribute to the mission and long-term sustainability of all 15 UK National Parks. She leads on the account management of corporate partners including Levy and Howdens.
Brooke began her career in the USA, serving in a variety of roles across U.S. National Parks and Forests. Her experience includes positions as a Park Ranger, Volunteer Coordinator, and Partnership Programme Manager. Brooke spent seven of those years also serving as a Public Information Officer on a Wildland Fire Incident Management Team.
Brooke holds a Master of Education in Parks and Recreation Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Biography
Emmanuel joined NPP in January 2026. He brings extensive charity sector experience across, communications, database and event management
He is passionate about working with impactful organisations that make a difference.
He has previously worked for the US-UK Fulbright Commission, Chevening and the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, supporting scholars and programmes through clear coordination and effective stakeholder engagement.
Nature-Based Solutions
Biography
Holly Story FAAV is Head of Nature Based Solutions at NPP, where she works closely with the fifteen UK National Parks to harness green finance for nature recovery.
Before joining NPP, Holly set up and led an environmental consultancy team for a firm of rural land and property specialists in the North of England. Holly is also Chair of the CAAV’s Environment and Land Use Committee.
Based in North Yorkshire, Holly recently returned to live on the family farm where she runs a pasture-fed livestock business.
Biography
Jayne works across long-term projects where green finance supports the ambitions of the UK National Park Management Plan.
With a background in catchment management and freshwater ecosystems she leads our water programme and has a passion for using nature-based solutions to improve resilience.
She has coordinated catchment partnerships and has expertise in bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders to drive forward action aligned to strategic priorities. Jayne utilises these skills to scale impact whilst contributing to knowledge share and innovation.
Biography
Mina Petracca is a Columbia University graduate with an MA in Climate & Society, specialising in nature-based solutions and nature finance.
She is passionate about the role that private finance can play in restoring natural ecosystems and safeguarding against climate events.
She comes to NPP from New York City where she worked in coastal climate resilience, restoring native oyster populations in New York Harbor and working with students.
Communications
Biography
Bec leads high-impact communications that support partnership growth, income generation and long-term relationships for the benefit of all 15 UK National Parks. She shapes NPP’s commercial communications strategy, brand positioning and campaigns, helping to secure and support corporate partnerships that deliver positive outcomes for people, nature and climate.
With over 15 years’ experience across strategic communications, brand leadership and stakeholder engagement, Bec has previously worked at Associate Director level within global agencies, leading international campaigns, cultural launches and corporate reputation programmes.
She brings a hands-on, collaborative approach to content creation, partnership communications and campaign delivery and is passionate about using communications as a force for good – translating complex issues into compelling stories that inspire vital action and build lasting impact.
Operations
Biography
Nathan leads the organisation’s operational strategy and delivery across the business. He oversees core functions including finance, HR, procurement, systems and governance, ensuring the organisation runs efficiently and compliantly as it grows. He brings over a decade of experience working within the fundraising and operations sector.
Biography
With a background as a Creative Project Manager, Emily is an Admin Officer at the National Parks Partnerships.
She sits within the Operations team and supports the wider NPP team with day-to-day operations, helping to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Based in Bristol, she loves anything creative, teaches breathwork and meditation, and loves spending time outdoors
Biography
Ruth supports on the planning and delivery of NPP events, including our annual conference and Showcase event, while also providing essential administrative support across the organisation.
Ruth brings a background in health and arts charities, most recently with the UK Men’s Sheds Association, where she supported both established and emerging community projects.
Her experience spans events and project management, alongside community engagement, skills she now applies to help strengthen partnerships and deliver impactful events at NPP.
Biography
Carmen joined NPP in December 2024 as Admin Officer and moved into her current role as EA to the CEO and Chair in February 2026. She provides executive and board support at the heart of NPP’s leadership. Raised in the French Alps, Carmen has a lifelong connection to the natural world. It’s what drew her to NPP: translating a genuine interest in sustainability and landscape into impact at a national scale.