Richard Farrer
Richard is a chartered surveyor with over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry in the UK and globally. He has worked for both landlords and corporate occupiers as well as owning and managing his own company, he is a board member of ‘We are Medway’ and CMT is a ‘Medway Champion’ — a recognised networking brand. Richard is a sports enthusiast; particularly rugby, sailing and off-road cycling and also trying to keep up with his Labrador called Duke. Richard is married with two daughters and lives in Hampshire.
Grant Leathwhite
A familiar face. Grant is the primary contact for St. Mary’s Island residents. His main focus is managing the day-to-day operations on site. His core working hours are 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday. When not working Grant enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters as well as a bit of gardening and watching rugby.
Elona Walker
Elona joined the Trust back in 1997 and has seen the Chatham Maritime Estate develop from the very outset to completion. Her background is in customer service/administration working in the electronics, drinks and tobacco industry supporting senior management. Elona supports the Chairman, CEO and Trustees and administers the Trust’s Community Fund. Elona prepares the Maritime Messenger newsletter, the Friday Flyer e-publication and deals with some HR and a lot more. She enjoys meeting friends and community life in the town where she lives.
Jessica Pay
Jess joins the Trust as Estate Surveyor supporting the Operations Manager and estate team. Jess is the main contact for residents on covenants, consents and re-mortgages. Her background is in procurement and supplier management in the fast moving consumer goods industry. Jess loves to travel and recently took a career break spending 5 months solo backpacking across Asia, Australia and New Zealand. She also enjoys walking her dog Willow and spending time with family and friends. She lives on SMI and used to volunteer at SMI Youth Club as well as organising the stock for their Tuck Shop and coordinating fundraising activities.
Karolina Szymanczuk
Karolina Szymanczuk joined the team in June 2024 as Estates & Facilities Assistant and will be provides a visual presence across the estate. She also heads up the Trust’s sustainability project (ESG). When not working Karolina enjoys spending time by the water, hiking and long walks with her two dogs. She is also fond of baking and spending time with family and friends.
Joanne Terry
Jo is the Finance Manager and Company Secretary joining the Trust in February 2024, bringing 25 years of experience. Jo is a Fellow Chartered and Certified Accountant (FCCA). Jo is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s finance function and related professional services, including banking and audit. She also supports the governance of the Trust by fulfilling Company Secretary duties, which include the execution and signing of official documentation as required. A former resident of St. Mary’s Island for 10 years, Jo enjoys spending time with her two children and their dog Waffle. Together, they love attending various clubs and heading out on family adventures. Jo also enjoys socialising with friends and family and remains connected to the local community.
Sherree Glaister
Sherree Glaister has recently joined CMT as a Management Accountant supporting the Finance Manager and Assistant; she has ten years’ experience in accountancy practice.
Sherree was educated in Medway and lives locally. She enjoys spending time with her family — walking, swimming and socialising. Painting is one of her interests when time allows.
Lynsey Kember
Lynsey joined the Trust in February 2013 and brings many years’ experience to the role of Finance Assistant. She is a qualified FMAAT (Fellow Membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians) and overseas the day-to-day finance of the Estate office, Community Centre and Watersports Centre.
In her spare time, Lynsey enjoys running with a local running group (often around the Island) and has taken part in all race distances from 5k to 50k.
Vanessa Jarmak
Vanessa oversees the general management of the facility, along with aspects of hire, whilst ensuring the smooth operation of it’s day to day business with her colleague Emma. Vanessa has previously worked in Director/Senior level PA roles, office management and administration, mainly within the manufacturing industry. Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family and friends and keeping fit.
Bernard Atkinson
Bernard joined the watersports team at the start of the 2025 summer season. Bernard has c. 40 years experience delivering watersports sessions and courses – he doesn’t look old enough! Bernard, AKA Captain Pugwash, when he’s not at the watersports centre he can be found out in the hills delivering Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or in the woods delivering forest school sessions.