Val has worked as a senior manager within the arts in organisations such as Manchester City Galleries, the Art Fund, the Arts Catalyst and, most recently, the Royal Exchange Theatre where she was Development Director for 6 years.
She has considerable experience of developing and delivering successful income generation strategies and specialises in fundraising strategy, ambitious large-scale grant applications, securing funds from public sources, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships. She has led small to medium sized fundraising teams and throughout her career has worked closely with Chief Executives, Artistic Directors, Artists and Trustees. She has also served on Senior Leadership Teams supporting organisation-wide strategic development, planning and management, taking on corporate projects and responsibilities beyond her fundraising remit.
Prior to working in the arts, Val enjoyed a successful career in local government where she raised substantial funds from government and Europe in support of large-scale economic development programmes and cultural projects.