Our Team

Music and Commercial Director

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Jon brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for music to The Pioneer Club. With a strong history of successful event organisation, he has curated a diverse range of sold-out events here since 2019. Beyond his professional achievements, Jon is committed to using music to positively impact our community programmes. ​

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Office Manager

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Sue brings diverse experience from a banking career spanning management, recruitment, and risk. A long-time Pioneer supporter (her sons participated here!), she excels at event planning and understands the needs of skaters, particularly those with ASD. Her work with a charity supporting autistic adults provides unique insights to her role.​

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Chair of Trustees

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James joined the board as a trustee in 2025, becoming Chair in 2026. He discovered The Pioneer when his son started skate lessons there and grew in confidence. A former musician, he loves how The Pioneer brings music and skateboarding together, and gives young people somewhere to belong and people to belong with. By day he works in strategy and research in the media industry. As Chair, he’s focused on making sure The Pioneer is here, and ever better, for the next generation.

Trustee

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Dave lives in St Albans and is director of a design and marketing agency. He became a trustee after his son started skateboarding and he saw the positive impact the club has on young people. He believes with its combination of a youth charity, grassroots music venue and skatepark The Pioneer has a unique offering and an opportunity to help a diverse range of young people grow and develop.

Trustee

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Jez, a long-time St Albans resident, is a dedicated community member. He's a Cub Scout leader, school governor, and local business owner. As a Trustee of The Pioneer Club since 2023, Jez is passionate about its role in community development and youth well-being. He believes in the power of hobbies and activities to enhance personal growth and foster a sense of fun. ​​

Trustee

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Andy Cooper lives in London Colney with his wife and two sons. He works in IT security and has been a dedicated trustee of the Pioneer Club for almost 10 years. Outside of work, Andy still DJs drum and bass, and enjoys snowboarding, cycling, and going to gigs.

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Trustee

Chris, a trustee of The Pioneer Club, and proud owner of an extensive Hip-Hop collection, initially worked with the Pioneer Club by supporting his sons at the skatepark. Over time Chris became more involved, managing the kitchen and BBQ at Sunday Skate Jams until the pandemic.​​​ We're pleased to welcome Chris to our Board of Trustees!​​​​

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Trustee

Jez, a St Albans resident on and off since the mid-seventies having been kicked out of Verulam School in 1983, has forged his way in the eyewear & eyecare industry, culminating in opening EYES on St Albans in Marshalswick in 2018. A huge supporter of local charitable causes, Jez is currently one of the District Councillors for Bernard’s Heath ward, where The Pioneer is situated.

Trustee

Hilary has lived in St Albans close to The Pioneer for 30 years and her children used the Club as teenagers. A retired children’s Social Worker, Hilary has recently joined as a Trustee and leads on Safeguarding.

Trustee

Matt has known Pioneer since his son first started using the skatepark over a decade ago. He loves how welcoming and inclusive its community is, particularly for neurodivergent young people. A senior HR and organisation design leader, currently at Bauer Media Group, Matt brings his experience of people, organisations and change to his role as a trustee.

Youth Programme Lead & Designated Safeuarding Lead

Sam runs the youth group at the Pioneer and is also our DSL. She is a qualified children’s counsellor and has a wealth of experience that she brings to the team. She loves working with youngsters, designing projects and building spaces where they feel safe, supported and part of a community. Having spent time at the Pioneer as a teen during the 1990s, she is passionate about continuing the Pioneer legacy for generations to come.