She holds a first-class honours degree in Accounting with Computing from the University of Ulster together with a postgraduate diploma in Professional Accounting, and an MSc in Innovation, Leadership & Management from the University of York. Amanda has particular experience in leading organisational change through extensive modernisation programmes and of delivering major capital redevelopment and regeneration projects.

Before moving to Sussex from her native Northern Ireland, Amanda was Director of Finance & Planning at National Museums Northern Ireland where she was Finance Director for the £20m redevelopment of the Ulster Museum, winner of the prestigious Art Fund Prize, and more recently the Project Director for the Royal Pavilion Estate Masterplan during her time as Deputy Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival.

Having represented Ireland at international level in three-day eventing Amanda still indulges her equestrian passion through judging for the British Show Pony Society across the UK and in finding talented young event horses with the potential to be the international stars of the future.

In addition to her work with the Society, Amanda is a member of the Executive Board of the Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership and a Director of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership where she is the Arts, Culture, Visitor Economy & Tourism Sponsor and chairs the Audit & Risk Committee. She is also an Associate Director of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, a Trustee of mental health charity Heads On and the Chair of Good Space, the South East’s volunteering for wellbeing programme for arts, heritage and sports organisations.