A FORMER bank clerk whose career took off after she changed course because she wanted to work with people and help improve lives is now responsible for thousands of family homes.

Shan Lloyd Williams, who lives on the Llyn Peninsula, took the helm of the charitable north Wales housing association Grwp Cynefin as CEO at the end of January, replacing respected industry leader, Walis George, who is retiring after 25 years at the forefront of housing in the region.

After A-levels, Shan started her career with the Midland Bank in Pwllheli and Caernarfon, before joining Gwynedd Sight Care asa senior rehabilitation officer, then establishing the first registered office in north Wales for Care and Repair Cymru. Shan is now in charge of four Care and Repair services in north Wales as they form part of the group structure of Grwp Cynefin.

Shan has also worked as performance manager for housing and social services at Anglesey Council; health, social care and wellbeing co-ordinator for Gwynedd Council and the then Gwynedd Local Health Board; and strategic housing manager at Gwynedd Council.

A Chartered Institute of Housing management board member, Shan is a co-founder and management board member of Women in Social Housing (WISH) North Wales, which helps women progress to senior positions in the sector.

She holds a masters in management economics from University of Wales College, Newport.

Shan said: “I want to further explore opportunities and work more closely with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to help relieve some of the pressure on accident and emergencies, help people stay safely in their own homes and communities, and take every opportunity to improve the health and well-being of our tenants.

“Grwp Cynefin already has a good track record. There is so much to build on, as well as new opportunities, as demand for social housing keeps on growing especially in rural areas.

“I look forward to working alongside the board and leadership team to deliver the corporate plan, and making a true difference to the lives of residents and communities across north Wales.”

Dafydd Lewis, chairman of Grwp Cynefin said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Shan Lloyd Williams as Grwp Cynefin’s new chief executive.

“Having a successful track record in a number of senior management and strategic housing posts, she brings with her a wealth of skills and leadership experience to Grwp Cynefin.

“The board is confident that Shan will lead the organisation to even greater success in the months and years to come.”

Grwp Cynefin operates across the six counties of north Wales and north Powys, providing more than 4,500 homes for families and individuals across the region.