Dr Mandy Gardner

Chief Executive

Mandy joined VANS in 2022 and leads the organisation’s strategic direction, partnership development, and support for the voluntary and community sector. Her career began in education before moving into leadership roles within professional sports charities, where she developed programmes that strengthened participation and community engagement. She later completed a PhD exploring what motivates people to build and sustain community-owned initiatives — insights that continue to inform her leadership approach. Outside of work, Mandy enjoys family time, travelling, swimming, and reading.