Rev Stephen Fowler – Leader / Leadership Team
Stephen holds the unusual record of being the youngest Mayor of the smallest City in England since records began some 825 years ago. Stephen grew up in Wells, qualified, and practiced as a property lawyer. He later became a property manager and consultant legal trainer to the property industry. He is a trained counsellor, President of the Somerset Valuation Tribunal Service and until recently was a director of a regional charity. He currently serves as the Faith Representative on Mendip Strategic partnership. Stephen was ordained in the ministry in 2007 and has been the pastor and leader of the Connect Elim since 2001. He is also an Area Pastor - a coordinating role with churches in Bristol and Somerset.
Thomas Fowler - Centre & Projects Leader / Leadership Team
Thomas is an experienced project manager and consultant in the private and 3rd sector. Formerly senior manager in a socially-engaged arts charity. He managed a city-wide social regeneration project in Manchester, a national tour profiling the HIV/AIDS pandemic and has been involved in the design, development and running of pioneering arts academy in South Gloucester. Thomas is overseeing the development of the Elim Connect Centre and managing the day to day running of the centre and associated projects. He is currently studying for a degree in Theology at Elim's Regents College
Rev Dr Mark Hutchinson – Elder / Leadership Team
Mark is a former community mental health worker, teacher, OFSTED inspector and business consultant. He managed a million pound Department of Employment Technical Vocational Education Initiative in schools and colleges in Suffolk and was Staff Development Co-ordinator for Mid-Kent teachers. Mark serves on the Leadership Team which oversees and steers the work of Connect Elim.
Tony Barter - Finance Manager / Leadership Team
Tony, a Chartered Insurance Practitioner, and recently retired Branch Manager AJ Barter Insurance Brokers, founded and ran his own business for many years, was Treasurer of Shepton Mallet Rotary Club for 5 years and Chairman of Wookey School Governors for 20 years. Tony serves on the Leadership Team of Connect Elim with the specific role of overseeing finance.
Graham Jeffs - Fundraising Manager
Graham, is a Solicitor and former Chief Executive, Mendip District Council, Vice Chairman, Somerset Partnership NHS & Social Care Trust. He has been responsible for implementing a multitude of local capital projects over 30 years and is currently involved in social delivery projects across three continents! In addition to an advisory role, Graham oversees fundraising for Connect Elim.
Gill Fowler – Catering & Hospitality Manager
Gill is an experienced Catering Manager running the kitchens for Downside School, Sutcliffe Catering and Mendip YMCA. More recently she was a partner in a successful property lettings business. Gill is passionate about delivering 'Platinum' standard hospitality and runs Connect Elim's catering arm 'Connect Catering'.
Ros Lavington – Volunteer and Safe From Harm Co-ordinator
Ros has a wealth of experience working with volunteers in the 3rd sector. She was formally a Volunteer Co-ordinator at a local youth charity before starting a new job as a Community Project Worker at Flourish Homes. Ros' role includes ensuring Connect Elim's projects and volunteers are working to the best and safest standards.
